Author

Jeff Vanrobaeys

Jeff Vanrobaeys CCA, 4R NMS

Jeff is the Canadian Senior Staff Agronomist at FBN and has worked in agriculture for over 30 years. He has worked in a number of different roles including research, agronomy,  territory management, and retail. Jeff is originally from Manitoba where his family continues to farm.


16 Mar 2023

by Jeff Vanrobaeys

Weeds are a threat to every farming operation and the number of herbicide-resistant weeds continues to grow every year. Creating a strategy to delay the development of resistant weeds is important and should be prioritized on every farm.  As of April 2022, the U.S. has 127 unique herbicide resistant weeds and Canada has 52.¹ There are a number of ways a grower can take a proactive approach to ensure a weed resistance management strategy is implemented on every acre. Let’s get into the weeds with the five ways to delay the development of herbicide resistant weeds: 1. Tank Mixing & Multiple Modes of Action Whenever possible, it’s important to prioritize tank mixing multiple herbicide groups to enhance weed control and mitigate the development of herbicide resistant weeds.  A pre-seed application is a great opportunity to include multiple modes of action from different herbicide groups that target the same weeds.² Maxunitech Carfentrazone-Ethyl 240 EC (group 14) and Bromoxinyl-240 EC (group 6) are both excellent herbicide options that tank mix well with Smoke® 540 Glyphosate pre-seed for most crops. 2. Crop Rotation Diversifying your crop rotation will optimize fertility, and mitigate disease and pest infestation. As well, this will provide you with the opportunity to utilize different selective chemistries for your crops. Consider rotating crops with different seeding and harvest windows to target weeds at optimal points throughout the growing season. Implementing both a diverse crop and chemistry rotation helps to prevent weeds from maturing, setting seed, and becoming a challenge the following year. [Powered by FBN members, the 2022 Canada Plantings Report provides one of the first major survey-based estimates of Canadian farmers’ planting intentions for the year. Click here to download the free report. ] 3. Chemistry Rotation Throughout the Season It’s a good strategy to use different herbicide groups at different points in the season that target the same weed spectrum. As part of an integrated weed management program, tank mixing products from multiple herbicide groups with every application and focusing on diversifying the annual chemistry rotation is recommended. [Curious about the shelf life of your ag chemicals? Review our ag chemical shelf life reference list and learn three tips for extending your chemicals' efficacy on FBN's blog .] 4. Effective Herbicide Application Keeping clean fields year over year helps reduce the opportunity for herbicide resistant weeds to develop, set seed, and propagate. When using products, it’s recommended to always use the label rate and directions to help you best achieve clean fields and minimize weed growth. Utilizing best practices regarding boom height, water volume, wind speed, and sprayer speed increase your chances of eliminating herbicide resistant weeds. [Looking to buy herbicide? Learn how to shop online, get it shipped directly to your door, and save money with FBN Direct ® in this video .] 5. Maintaining Clean Fields with Multiple Applications Throughout the Season Preemergence Early weed control is recommended as herbicides are typically most effective on small weeds.³ Most product labels do not target later stages of weed development and, as a result, weeds can mature, set seed, and become a challenge to control. Disha 480 (group 4) is an example of a preemergence product with residual control that can be applied prior to planting cereals that targets kochia (including group 2 resistant biotypes).   In Crop As a grower, you need to scout your fields to tailor your herbicide post emergence program to maximize and diversify weed control programs. Regional differences in weed pressures and crop mix potentially require more selective herbicide tank mix partners to control all types of weeds in the field.   There are multiple tank mix options that can be customized according to crop and target weed spectrum. For example, tank mixing Steel (group 2 and 4) and MCPA (group 4) are options for an in crop application in cereals. Another potential tank mix is  FBN Glufosinate 150  (group 10) with  FBN Clethodim 240(R)  (group 1) and   Clever® Dry Flowable Herbicide   (group 4) for an in crop application in glufosinate tolerant canola. Post-Harvest Burndown Combining a non-selective herbicide and a selective herbicide in a post-harvest application can be a very effective way to incorporate different herbicide groups and modes of action.  Prioritizing weed control in the fall will help to minimize weed seed development and weed pressure the following year. Always add another effective mode of action like a group 2 or 4 when applying glyphosate. For example, tank mixing   Florasulam 50  (group 2), 2,4-D (group 4) or  MCPA Ester 600  (group 4) with   Smoke® 540 Glyphosate  (group 9) for a post-harvest application. Protecting the long-term sustainability of your operation starts with protecting your crops by implementing a robust weed management strategy that incorporates cropping and chemistry diversity.  Shop for Herbicides Through FBN Find the products you need at FBN Direct® . With a diverse product portfolio, we provide the product options growers like you need to develop an integrated weed management strategy.  You can also learn more about our available crop nutrition solutions, seed, animal health products, and more by clicking here . Sources: https://www.weedscience.org/Pages/GeoChart.aspx https://manageresistancenow.ca/weeds/wfs-how-to-manage-herbicide-resistance-in-your-fields/ https://www.canolacouncil.org/canola-watch/2019/04/04/herbicide-resistant-weeds-prevention-and-management/ Copyright © 2015 - 2023 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", "FBN Direct," "F2F Genetics Network", the Pro Ag logo, "Pro Ag", and "Professional Ag Distributors" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates.  FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws.  We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province).  Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products. The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified agronomist, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.


12 Sept 2022

by Jeff Vanrobaeys

Concluding harvest and preparing for winter is an incredibly busy time on most farms. Preparation for the following year remains a priority for most growers after this year's crop is in the bin. A post harvest herbicide application can be a great way to start planning for the next season.  Let’s explore some key steps to take in preparing for the upcoming year.  1. Utilize products that have limitations in crop Targeting challenging weeds like kochia with an effective active ingredient that has activity on the weeds being targeted helps delay herbicide resistance, while a product with some residual can be effective at keeping fields clean into the spring. Disha 480 Herbicide is an excellent fall option for fields getting seeded to cereals. Growers can use the herbicide to avoid some common in-season challenges, including off target drift and in crop staging limitations. FBN Direct ® carries numerous herbicides that can serve as helpful post harvest options to control a number of challenging weeds. 2. Diversify your herbicide rotation To mitigate the risk of potentially developing herbicide resistant weeds, it is important to utilize multiple herbicide groups.  By providing active ingredients from herbicide groups 4 and 9, a tank mix with both Disha 480 and Smoke 540 Glyphosate can help manage herbicide resistance and offer extended weed control into next spring. It will also complement Smoke® 540 glyphosate alone, providing greater control on some harder to kill weeds. It is never too early to start planning for the following season, especially when utilizing herbicides that contain cropping restrictions. With a number of different products available for shipment directly to your farm, FBN is ready to support your operation. Find the right inputs for your operation with  FBN Direct® Check out  FBN Direct  to learn more about our full range of crop protection products.  Copyright © 2015 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", "FBN Direct," and “Smoke” are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province). Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products.


22 Aug 2022

by Jeff Vanrobaeys

Harvest in Canada is already underway; for others, those activities are fast approaching. Harvest is the perfect time to evaluate results and the decisions you made throughout the growing season. Take time as the combine  rolls through the field to note key details about this year’s production while they are fresh in your mind. Here are a few topics for consideration as the growing season concludes. 1. Weed, disease and insect pressure Scout and evaluate the weeds, diseases and insect damage present at harvest. After evaluating the pesticide program used throughout the year,  was control acceptable? Are there opportunities for improvement next year? Is there a need to utilize different actives or start incorporating new modes of action? Check grain quality to ensure that disease and insects weren’t a big factor throughout the growing season. 2. Fertility program Assess the plants and the grain being harvested. Did the fertility program throughout the season support anticipated yields and support quality grain? Have nutrient  deficiencies been identified, and is there a need to consider tissue testing throughout the growing season?  3. Soil sampling and testing  Consider soil testing at the same time each year to ensure proper fertility. Soil tests can also be valuable to identify  select areas of the field with issues that need to be corrected.  4. Equipment performance Machinery that is not properly calibrated, or worn out can also have a significant impact on planting and harvest. Using incorrect equipment can potentially lead to soil compaction or other issues. Did you have any concerns with equipment and final results during cultivation, planting, spraying and harvesting? Is it time to consider updating or adjusting equipment to improve on-farm efficiency or soil health?  5. Planning for next year Are there weeds that need to be controlled post harvest?  Fall is a great time to target specific weeds that can be challenging to control. FBN Direct has numerous post harvest herbicide options to control a wide range of weeds. For example, consider applying a tank mix of Smoke 540 glyphosate with Florasulam to target perennial weeds like Canada thistle and dandelion.  If you are planning to seed canola the following year a  tank mix of Smoke 540 glyphosate and Maxunitech Carfentrazone-ethyl 240EC Herbicide provides two modes of action against herbicide resistant kochia. Find the right inputs for your operation with FBN Direct® Check out FBN Direct to learn more about our full range of crop protection products.  Copyright © 2015 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", and "FBN Direct" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates.  FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws.  We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province).  Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products. The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified agronomist, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.


02 Aug 2022

by Jeff Vanrobaeys

Have you thought about using a desiccant for your pulse crops and canola? Using a desiccant on crops promotes rapid, more uniform crop dry down, helping maximize harvestability. Benefits of using FBN® Diquat 240 as a dessicant product 1. Crop quality Desiccation ensures a quicker, more complete dry down maintaining crop quality, with a more uniform sample and less issues affecting grade. 2. Timely uniform harvest All areas of the field are dry and ready to harvest at the same time, enabling more acres to be harvested each day, helping to maximizing harvest efficiency. 3. Straight cutting  Especially with pod-shatter resistant canola, it better facilitates straight cutting, making the entire field more uniformly harvestable. Optimizing the application of a dessicant 1. Use a surfactant FBN has some excellent surfactant options to use with Diquat 240. Both are registered for use with FBN Diquat 240 at 0.1% V./V. or 1 liter per 1000 liters. Falcon® is a product with similar properties to LI700® but is registered at  a lower  use rate of 0.1% V./V. Icon® is a product with similar properties to Agral 90®, and is registered as a wetter and spreading agent with FBN Diquat 240, as well as a tank cleaner. 2. Application Timing Diquat is typically activated by sunlight, so for best coverage apply in cloudy weather or during the evening. Desiccation is not a method of weed control, but rather a harvest aid. If weed control is an issue, FBN has several options as well, and these can be used alone or in conjunction with FBN Diquat 240®. Shop now Check out FBN Direct® to learn more about our full range of crop protection products.  Copyright © 2015 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", "FBN Direct," "F2F Genetics Network", the Pro Ag logo, "Pro Ag", and "Professional Ag Distributors" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates.  FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws.  We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province).  Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products. The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified agronomist, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.


23 June 2022

by Jeff Vanrobaeys

Many wheat growing geographies in Canada  have received substantial amounts of rain this spring, in addition to the challenges of preparing seed beds and planting, excessive rainfall can also fuel disease.  Given these conditions, and if they match in your area, this could be the right time to apply fungicide to wheat. Studies (1) show that protecting the flag leaf of wheat, triticale, and oats from disease can assure 70 percent or higher of the crops yield potential. Plan to protect yields with a treatment when conditions align for the best chances to protect your crop from a likely pressure. In an anticipated high disease pressure year, consider applying a protective fungicide treatment to wheat. It is too late to make a preventative application, once disease pressure and damage is already visible within a field. Types of fungicide treatment A fungicide application  helps protect further damage to the plant and as a result can greatly impact yield. There are many types of wheat and small grain fungicides. Those fungicides that contain a strobilurin, such as azoxystrobin, (Group 11) or a triazole, such as triticonazole, (Group 3) are common choices for wheat growers. A combination of both Group 11 and Group 3 fungicides are commonly used as well. Products that contain  strobilurin should not be applied past anthesis as it can increase the DON level of grain.  Prothio(125.00) + Teb(125.00) Value Pick is an excellent option to apply after flowering.  One of the major advantages of prothio - teb is the product is both a contact and systemic fungicide so as result the product has great curative and preventative properties. Always scout early for leaf diseases, FBN® has great fungicide options from flag leaf to flowering stage of development. * This is an updated post originally published in 2018 with new content written by agronomist Jeff Vanrobaeys on June 23, 2022. Sources (1) University of Nebraska Crop Watch  https://cropwatch.unl.edu/2018/wheat-disease-update Copyright © 2015 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", "FBN Direct," "F2F Genetics Network", the Pro Ag logo, "Pro Ag", and "Professional Ag Distributors" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates. FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws. We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province). Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products. The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified agronomist, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.


14 June 2022

by Jeff Vanrobaeys

Peas are a great nitrogen fixing crop option that can improve soil health. Growing peas allows a grower to introduce different herbicide groups into their herbicide rotation plan.  FBN® is well positioned to support your field pea crop in western Canada.  Let’s look at four ways to get to get the most out of your field pea crop this year: 1. Planting Rather than relying on using refined nitrogen in peas, inoculants are a great tool  to promote nodulation and as a result nitrogen fixation. Inoculants can be applied as a liquid or peat product directly on seed or alternatively granular inoculants can be applied in furrow during planting. FBN offers several Liquid and Granular Inoculants to fit most needs, maximizing inoculation, and ensuring N fixation. Rolling peas after planting helps bury rocks and provides a uniform seedbed aiding with plant establishment and helps prepare the field for harvest. 2. Weed Control Season-long weed control in peas can be challenging, so using a residual product can help improve extend efficacy. Benz combines two effective modes of action: Imazamox (group 2) and Bentazon (Group 6) and provides contact as well as residual control on many weeds in Field Peas. Benz offers  broadleaf and grass weed control in Field peas and has equivalent or higher efficiency comparable to other commercial products. Benz provides great control of Volunteer Canola (all types) and All (even herbicide resistant) Wild Mustard, as well as control of Cleavers and Kochia and suppression of Wild Buckwheat For best grassy weed control in peas, applying a tank mix of  Pro Ag UAN 28-0-0 with Benz is recommended.  Available in 2 x 8.1L Cases or 129.6 L Drums, and can be purchased with Pro Ag UAN 28-0-0 from FBN to complete the package. 3. Micronutrient Support Augmenting fertility if required, and providing micronutrients that help support  plant health and  alleviate post herbicide application stress, Afterburner 3-15-15 + Mg helps plants quickly recover from herbicide application. B Sure is a proven biostimulant that helps the pea plant in abiotic conditions. From moisture stress to hail, frost or herbicide application, B Sure is a very effective product to support plant productivity. 4. Fungicide  There are multiple tools available to help manage and mitigate anticipated disease pressure in peas.  FBN offers effective pulse fungicides that control the most damaging diseases in peas, while maximizing a growers ROI potential.  Sharda Fungtion SC , Preach Fungicide , are key strobiluron’s to control key pulse diseases such as Aschocyta and Anthracnose.  Shop now Check out FBN Direct® to learn more about our full range of crop protection products.  Copyright © 2015 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", "FBN Direct," "F2F Genetics Network", the Pro Ag logo, "Pro Ag", and "Professional Ag Distributors" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates.  FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws.  We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province).  Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products. The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified agronomist, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.


24 May 2022

by Jeff Vanrobaeys

Optimizing your chemistry program to help maximize yield potential is important and there are many ways growers can do so. Factoring in that canola seed is expensive, maximizing yield is always a high priority.  Here are 5 ways to get the most out of traited canola with non-selective herbicides: 1. Proper application timing and label rate Select the proper labeled rate for the weeds present and their staging. Spray early when weeds are still small enough for good control. Consider a second in crop application if weed pressure is still high after the first application, or a second flush of weeds occurs. 2. Use a surfactant Using a surfactant provides many values such as: Spraying efficacy Drift reduction Water conditioning Anti foaming FBN® has several Utility Modifiers in  our portfolio such as ACCU-SRAYⓇ and Stick N Stay ® that enhance the performance of  Smoke® 540 Glyphosate and Advantage  Glufosinate Ammonium 150 . 3. Importance of multiple modes of action and mixing order Utilizing multiple modes of action is a good stewardship practice to help delay the development of herbicide resistant weeds. FBN offers Canola Acre packs containing a combination of glufosinate and FBN Clethodim 240 , which takes the guesswork out of tank mixing two different products. You can also enhance weed control by tank mixing and applying multiple products from different herbicide groups. The sequence of tank mixing herbicides is another factor to consider when combining products. Tank mixing order can impact the product suspension and is often a factor that can impact clogging or plugging spray nozzles. Here are two examples of different mixing orders you could utilize: Mix a surfactant in FBN Clethodim 240 , followed by Smoke 540 Glyphosate, and finally FBN Clethodim 240 , Mix CLEVER(R) Dry Flowable Herbicide , surfactant, glufosinate ammonium, FBN Clethodim 240 .  4. Insect control  High flea beetle pressure can have large impacts upon yield. When a seed treatment is not controlling 25% feeding damage, FBN has two very effective options to control flea beetles: FBN Deltamethrin EC Insecticide and Sharda Labamba Insecticide. 5. Chemistry rotation  Considering the annual chemistry rotation is another tool growers can use to improve weed control throughout the season.  Introducing a rotation of Smoke 540 Glyphosate (group 9) with Glufosinate 150 (group 10) and Next 70  WDG Herbicide (group 2) along with FBN Clethodim 240   (group 1) and CLEVER(R) Dry Flowable Herbicide (group 4) helps diversify the herbicide groups used on farm. Copyright © 2015 - 2022 Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. The sprout logo, "Farmers Business Network," "FBN,", "Farmers First", "FBN Direct," "F2F Genetics Network", the Pro Ag logo, "Pro Ag", and "Professional Ag Distributors" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Farmer's Business Network, Inc. or its affiliates.  FBN Direct products and services and other products distributed by FBN Direct are offered by Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. and are available only in provinces where Farmer's Business Network Canada, Inc. is licensed and where those products are registered for sale or use, if applicable. Not available in Quebec. Nothing contained on this page, including the prices listed should be construed as an offer for sale, or a sale of products. All products and prices are subject to change at any time and without notice. Terms and conditions apply. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS. It is a violation of federal and provincial law to use any pest control product other than in accordance with its label. The distribution, sale and use of an unregistered pest control product is a violation of federal and/or provincial law and is strictly prohibited. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided on this page or which is provided by us in any form. It is your responsibility to confirm prior to purchase and use that a product is labeled for your specific purposes, including, but not limited to, your target crop or pest and its compatibility with other products in a tank mix and that the usage of a product is otherwise consistent with federal, provincial and local laws.  We reserve the right to restrict sales on a geographic basis in our sole discretion. You must have a valid applicator license and/or be a certified farmer, to use restricted and commercial pest control products (exceptions may apply based on province).  Please consult your applicable provincial authority for complete rules and regulations on licensing, use, and recording keeping requirements of restricted and commercial pest control products. The material provided is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific agronomic, business, legal, investment or professional advice. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, consult with a qualified agronomist, financial planner, or investment manager. Neither Farmer's Business Network, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements or any information contained in the material and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.