HUSA Aug 5 2026 - Sean Thacker on Winter Canola

• Harvesting Update: Sean Thacker from Burdette, Alberta, is currently involved in harvesting activities in the Dutton, Montana area. The operation includes two crews working on winter wheat and one crew focused on dry land winter canola.

• Winter Canola Experience: Sean mentioned this is their first time harvesting winter canola. Due to drought conditions and high temperatures, the crop is significantly drier, with 4-5% moisture content. While challenging to harvest due to these conditions, the crop has shown remarkable resilience and is yielding well despite several setbacks due to freezing and regrowing phases.

• Fire Hazards and Machine Maintenance: The dry conditions pose a fire risk, requiring regular maintenance of machinery to prevent buildup and potential fires. While he has not observed any fires in the immediate area, there have been incidents in nearby Fort Benton.

• Crop Rotation and Yield: The winter canola is beneficial for crop rotation, helping to manage weeds. The winter wheat yields have varied due to inconsistent weather, with some areas experiencing drought and others turning favorable after late showers. Yields range from a low of 30 to an exceptional 92 in some sections.

• Harvest Progress and Storage: Harvesting is progressing well despite some elevator backups, with most of the winter wheat expected to be completed soon. The canola is being stored with aeration to manage heat, illustrating effective handling of the crop post-harvest.