COMMENTS ON GROWING CONDITIONS
                                                          2008 UMOPN
LACOMBE, ALBERTA
The oats in Lacombe were planted into ideal conditions on the 19th of May. The emergence was uniform about 8 days 
after planting. The growing season was pretty average, with a bit less rain then usual. We had a total of 290 ml of
rainfall during the growing season. Disease was not a problem this year.
WINNIPEG, MANITOBA
The growing season at Winnipeg (U of M Point) was cooler than normal with less corn heat units and growing degree
 days than the 30 year normal.  Precipitation was normal, with as total of 107 mm received.  The harvesting season
 went well and the hard fall frosts were delayed into November.  Yields in commercial field in the area averaged
 about 105 bu/acre with good test weights.
OTTOWA, ONTARIO
Unusually heavy crown rust infection.
AMES, IA
These tests were planted during a short break in the wet weather at Ames on April 16, 2008.  The season remained
cooler and wetter that normal through April, May & June.  Drier warmer weather in early July helped the crop 
mature but rain in the last half of July hampered harvesting.  There was no lodging at Ames in these tests, and 
disease minimal.  These plots were harvested on July 30, 2008.
URBANA, IL
Nursery was planted later than optimal.  
Fertilizer: 80 lbs N/A, P and K ok by soil test,                  Herbicide: Callisto 3 fl. oz./A
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN
Nurseries were seeded March 26 - in good soil conditions and reasonably early, especially considering the rainy 
spring season. Weather conditions were very favorable (cool nights and ample soil moisture) for oat crop growth and 
production until early June, when, although sufficient soil moisture continued through June, day and night 
temperatures were too warm for oats. By July 1, temperatures were quite high and soil moisture was limiting, reducing 
grain fill and test weight, although grain yields were good - likely due to extensive tillering and large panicles that 
resulted from the excellent conditions for oats earlier in the season.  Yellow dwarf disease was significant and natural
infection was uniform, resulting in very reliable disease notes from the yield nursery plots.  Crown rust and stem rust 
developed very late in the season and were not significant, even on inoculated disease spreader rows. 
EAST LANSING, MI
We had a cold wet spring followed by very good growing conditions.  No significant diseases were observed.
MORRIS
Plots abandoned because of herbicide drift during end trimming.
ROSEMOUNT, MN
Season started very cool and wet so planting was delayed about 3 weeks.  Emergence was uniform and relatively quick. 
A fairly severe storm early in July with some hail and considerable wind caused modest, but notable damage to plots
already headed.  Soon there after temperatures rose to above normal and precipitation was sparse for at least one month.  
Crown rust was quite evident on susceptible lines and ultimately caused modest reductions in yield and grain filling for 
them.
CARRINGTON, ND
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FARGO, ND
MINOT, ND
ITHACA, NY
BROOKINGS & WATERTOWN, SD
All South Dakota locations were extremely wet at planting.  All locations had adequate soil moisture throughout the 
growing season with below average temperatures.  There wasn't any fertilizer applied to the Brookings location due to
 a break down.  Rain was eminent; therefore, we planted in spite of the break down.
MADISON, WI
Planting was done on 4-24-08, which was late, due to much snowmelt, early season rain and cold temperatures. 
Mean temperature in April was 46.4 F with 12 days that had measurable rainfall. Total rainfall for April was 7.8 inches. 
Once planting was finished these cool, wet conditions persisted until mid-June. May's mean temperature was 55.9 F
and June had a mean temperature of 67.4. Total rainfall for May and June combined was 10.7 inches. July and
August were relatively hot and dry. Harvest came late due to these early season conditions with the UEOPN on July 29
and the UMOPN on August 7. Lodging pressure was low. Levels of rust and BYDV were moderate.   
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