9 The Business of Prairie Agriculture Better Farming | April 2024 A highly competitive annual weed, cleavers reproduce by seed and thrive in relatively dry, sunny areas. The trailing nature of the plant prevents proper crop development and the clinging bristles make crop handling and harvesting difficult. Because there is so much green material at harvest, straight combining becomes difficult, if not impossible. What to look for • Cleavers’ first leaves appear in whorls with three or more leaf blades. • Mature leaves appear in whorls of 6–8 narrow leaf blades, each with a pointed tip and rough to the touch. Count the cost • At densities of 100 plants per square metre (sq. yd.), cleavers can cause a 20% yield reduction in canola and from 30-60% in cereals. When to scout • Scout fields early because the weed is most sensitive to herbicides in its early growth stages. • Take a minimum of 20 weed counts across the field. • Check low spots for patches. How to control • Clomazone, which is a group 13 soil-applied herbicide, will provide early extended control of cleavers. • It can be applied pre-seed with a glyphosate burnoff application and works with all herbicide-tolerant canola. • Clomazone reduces the initial flush of cleavers, reducing the pressure on in-crop herbicides which improve control of cleavers. CLEAVERS Sources: https://www.ontario.ca/document/weed-identification-guide-ontario-crops/cleavers https://www.canolacouncil.org/canola-watch/2016/03/18/make-a-cleaversmanagement-plan Always read and follow label instructions. Member of CropLife Canada. FMC and the FMC logo are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. ©2024 FMC Corporation. All rights reserved. 8190 - 03/24 8190 Weed of the Month Series_Cleavers.indd 1 2024-03-08 12:04 PM 2024-03-08 12:04 PM With many regions of Saskatchewan's agricultural sector facing mounting challenges from drought, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is calling for the establishment of a Provincial Drought Preparedness Committee. In a recent letter addressed to Ag Minister David Marit, APAS president Ian Boxall underscored the critical need for proactive measures to mitigate the devastating impact of drought on farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. “The impact of drought on our province's agriculture sector can be devastating, affecting farmers and ranchers, our rural communities and the overall economy,” wrote Boxall. “The recent increase in frequency and severity of drought events underscores the pressing need for immediate action to better prepare for these challenges." The proposed Drought Preparedness Committee could serve several critical functions: 1. Early Warning and Mitigation: The Committee would monitor meteorological and climate data to identify early warnings of potential drought conditions. By reviewing and providing input on the province’s drought response plan, policies, and proactive measures, the Committee aims to mitigate the impact of drought on farms and rural communities. 2. Resource Allocation: During drought emergencies, the Committee would facilitate resource allocation to support affected farmers and communities. This includes water development and conservation strategies, extension resources, business risk management program supports, and livestock management. 3. Stakeholder Engagement: The Committee would foster collaboration among government agencies, agricultural organizations, research institutions, and community representatives. By facilitating partnerships and sharing expertise, innovative solutions can be developed to build resilience against drought challenges. 4. Long-Term Planning: The Committee would facilitate long-term planning and investment in infrastructure, technology, and research to enhance adaptive capacity and sustainability in the face of drought. Furthermore, APAS emphasizes the importance of program flexibility and enhancements to assist farmers in managing drought risks effectively. Features such as multiyear yield cushioning and greenfeed conversion provide additional tools to protect production guarantees against the impact of multiyear droughts on coverage and premium levels. “We welcome the recent enhancements to crop insurance forage and rainfall programs. Features like multiyear yield cushioning and greenfeed conversion provide crucial tools to safeguard production amid multiyear droughts,” emphasized Boxall. “The proposed Committee could monitor program participation, distribute information, and explore further changes to better equip farmers in managing weather challenges and making informed decisions.” While recent snowfall has provided some relief, numerous areas across Saskatchewan continue to grapple with the enduring effects of the multiyear drought. The need for substantial precipitation to replenish soil moisture reserves remains critical, underscoring the severity of the situation. BF APAS LETTER CALLS FOR A PROVINCIAL DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE Substantial precipitation is still needed. Based on a release from APAS industry update
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