The Canola Agronomy Network is gearing up to launch the very successful Canola Watch reports for the 2004 growing season.

"Last year's inaugural reports were very successful in relaying key agronomic issues to all facets of the canola industry," says David Vanthuyne, Canola Council of Canada agronomist for Eastern Saskatchewan.

"This proactive approach of providing just-in-time information has helped many growers and industry agronomists stay on top of crop management. The reports provide details on not only what is occurring down on the farm, but also give tips and information (often with illustrations or images) on how to identify and deal with pending issues, such as insect and disease outbreaks," he says.

The Canola Agronomy Network is a program of the Canola Council's Crop Production department. The network includes more than 20 agronomists and extension specialists, plus growers and industry retailers who will participate in weekly conference calls from April 27 to September 8 this year. The weekly Canola Watch reports are crafted based on discussions during each conference call. The reports are e-mailed to a list of over 1,500 industry people each week.

"Our number one job is to continue to provide canola growers and the people who advise them with in-season just-in-time information," says John Mayko, Chair of the network and the Canola Council of Canada's Agronomic Research and Extension Manager.

"We are very pleased with the response and the enthusiasm of the people who have come on board. People have told us they want us to continue this type of canola extension process," says Mayko. He adds that the network is always very keen to hear comments and suggestions on how to improve the reports.

Recipients of Canola Watch 2004 who have new grower customers are encouraged to contact the Council's Winnipeg office to obtain an information package on key tips for growing canola. "This package includes several important agronomic publications new growers will find very useful when growing canola. It will allow growers to make better management decisions, which is crucial to a profitable farming operation," says Vanthuyne.

To subscribe to the Canola Watch reports, send an e-mail message to admin@canola-council.org and in the subject box enter "Subscribe canola crop watch report."

The reports are also available on-line at: http://www.canola-council.org/production/agronomy_net.html