Nexera Varieties

[mgh]

Does anyone have experience with the brand new Nexera varieties? We have the option of growing Nexera or sticking InVigor. The $0.75/bu premium looks good for the Nex, but it would have to yield no more than 5 bu/ac less than InVigor for the premium to give a dollar advantage. Some ideas on this comparison would be appreciated!

[mhartman]

The new Nex 822CL and 824CL varieties yield between 5 and 10% higher than 46A65, while the Invigor hybrids are 20-30% higher than 46A65. Thus the price premium for the Nex varieties wouldn't make up for the lower yield compared to the Invigors. However, the Nex seed cost is lower and there are some package discounts on certain chemicals (Ronilan, Poast Ultra) that could improve the net returns compared to Liberty Link packages. Another factor to consider is that Invigor hybrids are earlier maturing which could result in better grades and thus price.
I would also consider the weed sprectrum in the field and the rotation. For example the Clearfield system could be desirable for weeds like chickweed, cleavers, stork's bill. Or Clearfield canola would be advisable if Pursuit or Odyssey were used last year, especially if it was dry. On the other hand, if a producer uses short residual Group 2 products routinely in cereal crops in the rotation, he should use a non-Clearfield canola to rotate herbicide groups and delay the development of herbicide resistant weeds.
Thus the decision to choose certain varieties or systems should consider more than yield and price premiums!

[countryguy]

We grew Nexera canola for two years.The first year it didn't do so well but we decided we'd give it another try next year.Well the next year it yielded 15 bus/acre less than our other canolas which all generally yielded about the same.

Needless to say Nexera canola is not grown on our farm anymore.

[ALLFARMER]

If I grew Nexera I would have in the production contract a firm set delivery date. If that date passes and they still won't take it I would demand payment in some form of contract buyout or delivery penaltys.