Winter rape fields are popping up all over Ontario. Statewide, total oilseed crop acreage is typically about 40,000 acres, with about one-third of the crop planted in the fall and the remainder in spring canola.
But over the past five years, winter canola has gained momentum in the state, increasing from just 500 acres in 2019 to an estimated 12,000 acres by 2024. Megan Moran, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Canola and edible bean expert says this growth is being driven by a combination of the economics and agronomy of winter canola, which is growing in numbers for Ontario farmers. states.
“Many growers I talked to said this is their most profitable crop,” Moran says. She added that prices have been very high in recent years, and the early winter canola harvest is an opportunity for producers to plant double-crop soybeans.
Genetics also plays a role. Growers have had great success with Mercedes, a hybrid that is only registered in Ontario, which allows for early planting without bolting in the fall. “We have a wide range of varieties, winter success, and high yields in different regions of Ontario,” says Moran. He said winter rapeseed is now grown as far south as Essex County, as far north as Barrie and as far east as Gananoque. to Renfrew County.
In terms of yield, growers average about 3,600 pounds, or only about 70 bushels, but Moran says there are many producers who hit the 80 to 85 bu/ac mark. “The rape blossoms are often nearly double the size of spring rape blossoms.”
In this report, Moran and RealAgriculture’s Bernard Tobin check out Middlesex County fields in full bloom. In the video, Moran explores the keys to growing winter canola in Ontario and the challenges and marketing opportunities it presents for growers.
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