Storage tips to keep your canola ready for market

Keep it Clean is reminding canola growers that any bin that has been treated with malathion this growing season should not be used for canola storage this fall. Malathion residue can linger in bins for months after treatment and can be transferred from the bin to canola seed, putting marketability at risk.

Malathion residue can linger in bins for months after treatment and can be transferred from the bin to canola seed, putting marketability at risk. Canola found with malathion residues is unacceptable for export customers and can damage Canada’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality canola.

Reduce the risk of contaminating your harvest by planning storage requirements accordingly — never use malathion to prepare canola for storage or treat bins in which you plan to store canola.

Malathion can be used to treat cereals and other non-oilseed grains in bins that have been contaminated with insects. Any grower doing so should record the date of treatment and must not use that bin to store canola in this growing season.

The Canola Council of Canada recommends growers also follow these storage procedures to protect the quality of your crop:

• Clean bins thoroughly prior to storing your crop.
• Only use approved bin treatments (e.g. diatomaceous earth) prior to storing canola.
• Condition crops to moisture and temperature levels safe for long-term storage.
• Keep bins cool, dry and well-ventilated and check their condition regularly.
• Make sure your storage bins are free of treated seed and animal protein like blood meal and bone meal.

Practice safe storage and keep malathion out of your canola bins to protect your investment and help keep markets open for all.