Cooperators Needed for Combine Loss Research
July 28, 2010
Co-operators Needed - Canola Harvest Loss Research Project
A research project, funded by canola grower check off through the Canola / Flax Science Cluster is looking for canola growers in the Edmonton and Lacombe regions of Alberta (within approximately a 100 km radius) to be part of a three year project to evaluate harvest losses and their causes in canola across western Canada.
Researchers will place about 6 small tupperware seed traps into swathed fields before seed shatter that will not interfere with the normal harvest process or harm machinery if hit accidentally. Seed traps will be removed after swathing and before harvest.
Immediately following harvest, residue, seed and soil will be removed from square foot sized areas along several transects between adjacent swaths / combine passes from which total canola yield losses will be determined.
During the winter, producers will be contacted by phone to answer a short questionnaire that seeks agronomic and harvest specific information to assist in understanding the causes of harvest losses. Yield loss information will be relayed to interested producers at that time. Producers will remain anonymous throughout this study.
The researchers are looking for small and large operations as well as producers who straight cut canola.
Growers who are interested can contact the lead researcher for their area:
Lacombe area:
contact Dr. Neil Harker with Agriculture Canada in Lacombe at 403-782-8134 or neil.harker@agr.gc.ca
Edmonton area:
contact Dr. Chris Willenborg with University of Alberta in Edmonton at 780-248-1902 or chris.willenborg@ualberta.ca.