Understanding the true ROI of straight cutting canola

If you’re the type of grower who pays closer attention to financial analysis than trends, here are some numbers you should know.

Machinery: You may need to consider investing in header extensions or a draper header for straight cutting, but there are still substantial machinery savings when you no longer need your swather to harvest canola. No need to purchase a new swather ($220-290,000), lease it ($108-142/hour) or hire a custom operator ($10-15/acre). (Source: Manitoba Agriculture).

Labour: If you traditionally hire someone to operate the swather, you can also factor in those savings. The average salary for an agriculture equipment operator in Canada is $20/hour. Custom swathing costs between $10-$15/acre or $160-$210/hour. 

Fuel and wear and tear: Skipping the pass with the swather, or combining more quickly with an evenly dried down crop, will save fuel costs. It can also reduce wear and tear on equipment and prevent operator fatigue.

Seed: Though not required, you may decide to purchase a high-value canola variety that is recognized for shatter resistance. These varieties can cost a few dollars more per acre more than conventional varieties.

Costs of potential yield loss: The Prairies experienced heavy crop losses in 2019 due to a wet harvest season and early snowfall. SCIC was expecting $350 million in claims for acres that were left out over winter. 

Some of our straight-cut canola customers decided to desiccate last season. They were able to harvest before the snow flew, so they saw a favourable ROI on their pre-harvest decision to apply Reglone® Ion.

Always read and follow label directions. Reglone® is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.