A forecasting model that estimates the probability of apothecia production as a measure of risk for Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) development was made available to North Dakota canola growers between 2002 and 2005. Estimates of the risk were issued every three days starting in mid June, approximately 9-12 days before the beginning of the flowering period, and through the end of July of each year.  Field surveys that estimated SSR prevalence on canola fields were conducted at the end of each growing season in six locations as an effort to validate the information generated by the model. At each field a total of 100 plants in 10 stations were scouted for disease presence. Data was analyzed using logistic regression. Results of this study and implications of the use of this forecasting model as a management tools for SSR will be discussed.