Manitoba Canola Growers release 2024 variety trial results

Farmers across Manitoba and the prairies can now access the results of the 2024 Canola Variety Evaluation Trials, a critical resource for making informed seed selection decisions. Spearheaded by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA), this program marks the first year of province-specific program following the discontinuation of the Prairie-wide Canola Performance Trials in 2022.

The purpose of the trials is to provide farmers with independent, third-party testing data for commercial canola hybrids and all seed companies were approached to enter varieties into the program.

Amy Delaquis, MCGA’s Research Manager, highlighted the importance of the initiative.

“We wanted to ensure Manitoba farmers continue to have access to independent data on canola variety performance tailored to our province's unique conditions.”

The trials, conducted across six sites in major growing regions, focused on both Liberty Link and Roundup Ready/TruFlex canola varieties. While only four sites made it to harvest due to challenges like flea beetle infestations and wind damage, the results provide valuable insights.

The trials assessed yield, days to maturity, and lodging, providing farmers with practical data. While individual variety disease ratings were not able to be taken, disease pressure across the testing locations, such as verticillium and blackleg, was a significant factor this year.

“It’s interesting to see how varieties performed under these conditions, even without detailed disease ratings.”

The 2024 results revealed strong yields across the different testing locations, even at the Carman, MB location that was reseeded in late June had an average site yield of 44 bu/ac for the Liberty Link Trial. Overall yields varied by site but varietal rankings stayed relatively constant. 

Farmers can access the trial results on the MCGA website under the research tab, while printed copies will be available at events like Ag Days and MCGA Annual General Meeting later in the year. The timely release aligns with farmers’ planning cycles, enabling better variety selection for the next growing season.

Looking ahead, Delaquis confirmed plans to continue the program in 2025, aiming to grow seed company participation with increased numbers of varieties included. She emphasized the program’s strong support in Manitoba, with a 2023 survey showing over 95% of Manitoba farmers favoring independent variety testing as a data source to support variety selection.

“Manitoba remains a strong province for canola production, despite challenges,” said Delaquis. “Programs like these ensure farmers have the resources and data to navigate those challenges effectively. While it may not be quite as pertinent in other provinces, farmers across the prairies will have interest in the results.”