Opinions on variable rate seeding and fertility in canola?

[fjlip]

Most BTO's doing this, hard to say if yields are better, everyone BRAGS, but crop maturity is more even= straight cutting.

[Maver]

Yes, please share your results, those of you that have tried it. I'm considering it. I'm looking at using CropPro consulting. Their costs are very reasonable and my drill is capable. Not really looking for another step to complicate things or result in down time though.

[jdg364]

We’ve been doing it for 3-4 years now, and have learned a couple things.

1. Not a silver bullet and it’s not something I would call “ low hanging fruit”. Focus on your inputs, drainage, weed management etc.

2. Works better for larger fields (400+ acres)

3. Evens crop maturity out for cereals and oilseeds.

[Misterjade9]

This year will be my third year variable rating my Nitrogen and my first year of variable rating seed and fert. I do about 1/2 of my acres, I am not set up all that well in regards to my yield mapping so I can't give you a clear answer yield wise. However the first year of variable rate nitrogen I absolutely notice how much more evenly the crop matured, especially canola, and for me who straight cuts every thing that is important. As far as fert savings there is a bit, I purchased a different drill for the spring and the numbers my agrologist and I worked out I will save about $16,000 on 2200acs. and that was just calculating fert costs no seed saving costs were added to that. So what I will save this spring will more than cover mapping of the other 3000acs this fall.