Winter canola - graze, grain or graze 'n' grain?

By Justin Kudnig, Pacific Seeds National Canola Technical Manager

With approximately 100,000ha of Australia’s canola crop now sown to winter canola types, the most common question from growers and advisors is ‘what is the best way for me to use this product in my farming operation?’

Twenty per cent of the annual area is generally sown in spring from late September to early November, and 80% in the autumn during February and March.

Some high-rainfall zone areas of the Western Districts of Victoria and southeast South Australia mostly sow winter types in autumn for grain only.



The goal here is more effective early plant establishment, weed control and top-end yield targets, which range from 3.5 to 6t/ha. This equates to gross returns of approximately $2000 to $3500/ha.

Lake Bolac VIC Hyola TD Winder CL Trial, Hyola 970CL

In the southern areas of Western Australia and central areas of New South Wales, most growers are using winter canola types only for sheep or cattle grazing. Here, these are part of an overall annual grazing program that complements winter cereals and pastures, achieving gross returns of up to $2500/ha.

Growers in areas of southern NSW, the Riverina, Central and Southern Tablelands and Highlands, as well as some regions of Victoria and South Australia are achieving impressive dual-income streams from managing their winter canola crops with both grazing and grain uses in mind.



Some of these growers are taking advantage of the vernalisation requirement of winter types and grazing up to 120DSE/ha. Weight gains of 70g to 512g/day are being realised, amounting to grazing returns of up to $2000/ha.

Hyola 970CL, Western Australia