In its inaugural year (2023), SaskOilseeds' Top Notch Farming trials marked a milestone with a dedicated focus on field-scale research. This investment of levy dollars directly benefits canola farmers by addressing on-farm challenges and questions they may have specific to their farm. By investing in research applicable at the farm level, SaskOilseeds emphasizes its commitment to growing producer prosperity.

The goal of our program is to actively seek input from farmers and agronomists to shape future projects, and cultivate a collaborative network between SaskOilseeds, farmers, agronomists, and research specialists. We recruit cooperators each year prior to seeding. If at any time you have an idea for a future research project, please contact SaskOilseeds to let us know.

2025 Trial Protocols

Seeding Rates - The objective of this field scale trial is to determine the range of canola survivability rates on commercial farms and the optimal seeding rate to achieve adequate plant densities and maximize yield under various management, soil and weather conditions in Saskatchewan.
Enhanced Efficiency Nitrogen Fertilizers - The objective of this field scale trial is to examine different ratios or proportions of treated and untreated N fertilizer using an EENF product of choice, compared to 100% untreated N fertilizer, on canola establishment, yield, and quality under various management, soil, and weather conditions in Saskatchewan.
Split Nitrogen/Top Up Nitrogen Application - The objective of this field scale trial is to determine if there is an agronomic and economic advantage to using a split N application or top-dressing N compared to applying all nitrogen at seeding on canola yield, quality and economic return under various soil and weather conditions in Saskatchewan.
Early Seeding Dates and Flea Beetles - The objective of this field-scale trial is to assess early-seeded canola and its impact on plant density, flea beetle density, yield, green seed, oil content, and overall production.
Boron on Canola - The objective of this field-scale trial is to assess the agronomic and economic significance of boron application on canola, as well as its impact on flowering and yield across different soil zones and environments in the province. The choice of product and timing for application will be left to the discretion of the cooperator.
Fungicide on Canola - The objective of this field scale trial is to evaluate fungicide effectiveness and economics on canola under different environmental conditions and risk factors.

2024 Trial Locations

The reel below highlights our seeding rate trial, one of the protocols of our 2024 Top Notch Farming Research Trials! This on-farm trial examines three different seeding rates and their survivability. WARC is leading and managing this project by Unity, SK.

The trial showcased in the reel below is the Foliar Applied Nitrogen Fixing Biological in Canola project. This initiative aims to evaluate the agronomic and economic benefits of applying the producers choice of product under different management, soil and weather conditions in Saskatchewan. Sara Olexsyn is the trial site manager for this project at Wakaw, with the entire project coordinated by Kayla Slind at WARC.

Research Support

SaskOilseeds will be working closely with the Western Applied Research Corporation (WARC) to assist with development of the project, implementation, measurement, harvest and analysis of the data. SaskOilseeds and WARC will engage as needed with local agrologists to support the projects.

Why Participate in On-Farm Research?

Join a network of growers and agronomists who are interested in field-scale research and sharing on-farm results
Results are established with your equipment under your farm conditions and management practices to help you make decisions on your farm
A research specialist or agronomist will help support you through every step of the research process and collect data throughout the season
Gain primary access to the results of other on-farm, field scale trials in Saskatchewan

This program is available to registered canola growers in good standing.

Click here to read our frequently asked questions.

For more information, or to participate in the program, contact:

Kaeley Kindrachuk
Agronomy Extension Specialist, SaskOilseeds
Office: (306) 975-0273
Cell: (306) 260-2531

Top Notch Farming Trials Producer Application

Please complete this application as it allows us to collect initial information and what type of project you may be interested in. Applications for the 2025 program are due by Feb 15, 2025. SaskOilseeds will follow up with applicants after this date. Required fields are noted.

Name *

First Name

Last Name

Name you sell grain under *

Name of Business/Corporation/Partnership

Mailing Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Email *

Mobile Phone *

(###)

###

####

Preferred method of contact

Phone

What project (or projects) are of interest to you? *

Seeding Rates

Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizers

Split Nitrogen/Top Up Nitrogen Applications

Early Seeding Dates and Flea Beetles

Boron on Canola

Fungicide on Canola

Other Project Idea (enter below)

If you selected Other Project Idea: Please tell us about your idea

If you selected seeding rate, what type of seeding equipment will you be using?

What seeding density range are you most comfortable with?

6/8/10 seeds per sq ft

7/9/11 seeds per sq ft

Other seeding density range (enter below)

If you selected early seeding dates and flea beetles, when do you normally seed canola and how early would you be comfortable seeding?

If you selected fungicide on canola, do you plan to spray regardless of the weather? If no, what decision support do you use to help make the call? Do you intend to make 1 application or 2?

Location of field trial (enter RM name and number or nearest town) *

Is your agronomist aware of this project?

Yes

I don't have an agronomist

Agronomist Name (individual or company)

Agronomist Email

Agronomist Phone

Do you use Variable Rate on your farm?

Yes

If you do use Variable Rate, how?

If you selected boron on canola, what product do you plan to use? What timing?

Thank you for your application!