Learning the importance of novel pulse crops and a different way to drain water

Jul 28, 2023

What are fenugreek and phacelia flowers and why should farmers look into tile drainage systems for their fields?

Those and countless other questions were addressed to farmers and non-farmers alike at the Conservation Learning Centre (CLC) on Thursday during its annual field day.

The biggest presentation made that morning came from Robin Lokken, the Manager of the CLC who provided an update on their four-year agricultural drainage project, which is now in its second year.

She explains is uses a common practice of surface drainage but they’re also looking into tile drainage. That’s the process that removes excess sub-surface water from fields and allows for better air space within the soil as well as proper cultivation and access by heavy machinery to help harvest crops.

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Video: Winter Canola Trial in Mississippi | Can It Work for Double Cropping? | Pioneer Agronomy

Can winter canola open new opportunities for growers in the Mid-South? In this agronomy update from Noxubee County, Mississippi, Pioneer agronomist Gus Eifling shares an early look at a first-year winter canola trial and what farmers are learning from the field.

Planted in late October on 30-inch rows, the crop is now entering the bloom stage and progressing quickly. In this video, we walk through current field conditions, fertility management, and how timing could make this crop a valuable option for double-cropping soybeans or cotton.

If harvest timing lines up with early May, growers may be able to transition directly into another crop during ideal planting windows. Ongoing field trials will help determine whether canola could become a viable rotational option for the region.

Watch for:

How winter canola is performing in its first season in this Mississippi field

Why growers chose 30-inch rows for this trial

What the crop looks like as it moves from bolting into bloom

Fertility strategy, including nitrogen and sulfur applications

How canola harvest timing could enable double-cropping with soybeans or cotton

Upcoming trials comparing soybeans after canola vs. traditional planting

As more growers look for ways to maximize acres and diversify rotations, experiments like this help determine what new crops might fit into existing systems.