Bayer launches ‘Fungicides For The Win’ contest

Nov 24, 2022

The winner will receive a John Deere Gator and use of Bayer fungicides

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

A new contest from Bayer will provide a Canadian farmer with a utility vehicle and the use of crop protection products.

Until March 31, 2023, farmers can enter the ‘Fungicides For The Win’ contest, where a farmer in Eastern Canada and Western Canada will each win a 2022 John Deere Gator HPX815E.

The UTV comes equipped with an electronic switch for instant 4WD engagement and a 16.4 cu ft. cargo box with 1,000 lb (450 kg) capacity.

In addition, the farmer from Eastern Canada will receive 160 acres each of Delaro Complete fungicide and Prosaro PRO fungicide.

The winner from Western Canada will win 160 acres of Proline GOLD fungicide and can choose 160 acres of either Prosaro PRO or TilMOR fungicide.

Delaro provides protection against diseases like common rust, eye spot and Northern corn leaf blight.

Prosaro PRO protects wheat, barley, oats and triticale TilMOR helps suppress fusarium head blight and reduce DON levels. And Proline GOLD protects canola from sclerotinia.

With this contest, Bayer wants to help farmers “make the most of every acre,” Tiffany Gogowhich, brand and advertising manager with Bayer, said in a statement.

Canadian farmers can enter the contest one of two ways – online or at multiple farm shows across the country.

Bayer will be present at the following events to help farmers with contest applications:

2023 Crop Production Show – Saskatoon, SK (January 9-12)
2023 Manitoba Ag Days – Brandon, MB (January 17-19)
2023 Salon de L’agriculture – Saint-Hyacinthe, QC (January 17-19)
2023 FarmTech – Edmonton, AB (January 24-25)
2023 Potato Days – Brandon, MB (January 24-26)
2023 Salon Industrie et Machinerie Agricole de Québec (SI-MAQ) – Wildred-Hamel, QC (January 26-28)
2023 Ag Expo – Lethbridge, AB (February 28 – March 2)
2023 London Farm Show – London, ON (March 8-10)
2023 Ottawa Valley Farm Show – Ottawa, ON (March 14-16)
GFO March Classic – London, ON (Dates To Be Announced)

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Winners will be announced on April 10, 2023.

Video: Mechanical Damage: Another Reason to Promote Certified Seed Usage

So far this year, Shari Lafreniere of 20/20 Seed Labs has noticed a distinct change in the levels of mechanical damage to seed compared to last year. In this Insiders column she gives us the scoop on what the situation is like with regard to mechanical damage.

Unlike 2022, where we faced significant challenges, this year has been a different story, and we’re not seeing high levels of it in samples coming off the field. Of course, that can change once seed enters the cleaning and storage stage.

Of course, for seed to receive a blue tag, it must be tested by an authorized seed lab, ensuring its quality and freedom from defects. It’s yet another reason for the seed sector to promote the use of certified seed among growers.

Mechanical damage to bin-run seed is a critical issue that can impact crop yields and profitability. It's a topic that often falls under the radar, but it deserves more attention, especially in years marked by extreme weather conditions like dry spells and scorching heat. In such years, the risk of mechanical damage to non-certified seed becomes significantly higher.

One of the key factors to consider in the cleaning stage is the brittleness of seeds. In dry and hot conditions, bin-run seed tends to become more brittle, making it more susceptible to damage. This brittleness is particularly evident in larger seed crops. The challenge then is to minimize mechanical damage during various stages of its use, from seeding, to harvesting, to conditioning, and finally storage.

If you have customers who save seed rather than choosing to buy new seed every year, it’s a good idea to provide them with the knowledge they need to prevent mechanical damage.

The following are some practical steps that can help growers protect seeds and reduce the risk of mechanical damage when handling seed:

Maintain Augers: Ensuring that augers are in good shape is essential. Check for damage or pitting on the flighting, as damaged augers can lead to more seed damage.

Optimize Seed Movement: When moving seed, do it as infrequently as possible. Reducing the number of times seeds are transferred can significantly reduce the risk of mechanical damage.

Sweeps and Loading: Properly manage sweeps within the bin and ensure they are in good condition. When loading seeds into a trailer or truck, especially with larger-seeded crops, start with a gentle layer at the bottom and go a bit lower with the auger to create a cushioning effect. This simple step can make a big difference in protecting seed.

Drills: When working with drills, pay attention to the fans and how they are loaded, whether using a conveyor or an auger. Proper handling during seeding is crucial to minimize damage.

While mechanical damage is largely within a grower’s control, it's essential for them to recognize that weather and climate conditions can play a significant role. In a hot and dry year, seeds are more vulnerable to damage due to their increased brittleness. Some crop varieties are more susceptible than others, especially in the case of larger-seeded crops, where the seed coat may not be as resilient when dry.

Even crops under irrigation can experience issues in extreme heat, as the water can't be consistently applied to maintain ideal moisture levels. Without the usual cooling effect at night, the risk of mechanical damage is further heightened. Also, it’s important to note that irrigation can’t mitigate heat blast, caused by a combination of hot days and warm nights, which can further increase the chances of mechanical damage.