The purpose of the manual is to promote production practices that allow oat growers to profitably produce high quality oat for domestic and international markets.
The Oat Growers Manual aims to provide best management principles, practices and resources to contribute to sustainability and profitability for oat growers. A multipronged approach is needed to improve oat yield and quality. Practices are grouped into four sections:
- variety selection,
- agronomic practices,
- pest management and
- proper harvest and storage.
For optimal profitability and healthy crops, these practices must be implemented together. The advantages of choosing the best variety can be obliterated by late seeding, inadequate fertility or poor storage of grain.
The manual attempts to provide clear and concise advice that can be easily accessed by growers. A healthy crop will contribute to:
- reduced need for chemical inputs
- a sustainable crop rotation and
- high quality oat for healthy food and
- animal feed.
MEETING THE GOALS OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN
Production of this manual was mandated by the Prairie Oat Growers Association (POGA) National Oat Strategy Document that states that the industry requires “…agronomic recommendations that can be clearly communicated to producers. Plots show high yield potentials, but there are still low yields on many farms. It is time to encourage more investment into agronomics. The pillar to Improve Oat Agronomy needs greater action, and it was felt all parts of the value chain could contribute meaningfully to progress.
Improvements in clear, concise recommendations and using multiple channels to convey them could have the most immediate results on oat yields. More ambitious goals to improve agronomy testing and extension are also in the longer-term plan. By using better strategies for knowledge transfer, including existing networks from other crops, it is possible to increase impact on the ground.”
DISCLAIMER
The Prairie Oat Growers Association is committed to promoting Canadian oats, in partnership with growers and industry partners. Opinions expressed in this document are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Prairie Oat Growers Association. The Prairie Oat Growers Association and their employees, or contractors will not be liable for any claims, damages, or losses of any kind whatsoever arising out of the use of or reliance upon, this information.
The information in this manual is was prepared using current scientific information and is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products implies no endorsement by the authors or the Prairie Oat Growers Association. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended.
Labels, laws and regulations may change over time. The Prairie Oat Growers Association assume no liability for the suggested use of pesticides contained herein. No pesticides can be sold or used unless they are registered in Canada for the intended use and bear a Pest Control Products Act registration number. At all times, pesticides must be applied according to the label directions on the pesticide container.
