Nitrates in silage Fast-growing crops can accumulate nitrates under dry weather conditions. This is most common in corn, but sorghums, sudangrass, millets, cereals, and Italian ryegrass can all accumulate high levels of nitrates and potentially cause nitrate poisoning in livestock. Why are high nitrate levels a problem? Nitrates (NO3-N) are converted to nitrites (NO2-N) in […] Read more
Be on alert for nitrate levels in silages
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of July 29
Prepare your grain bins before setting out for harvest
Tips and tricks for making sure bins are clean and ready for a new crop
Before filling grain bins or using temporary storage, thoroughly clean the bins or storage site. Follow these steps each time you empty a bin and before filling it with new grain: Eliminate dust and dockage from any cracks in the bin. Repair holes, cracks and leaks in the bin and cracks in the floor if […] Read more
Winter wheat harvest two weeks behind, soybean aphids in small numbers
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of July 22
Winter wheat harvest Harvest has been slow to start in the province, lagging 7-14 days behind last year. Early yield and quality reports have been decent given the late planting date and challenging spring, but more acres will need to be harvested before any generalizations can be made. In fields were there are concerns of […] Read more
Minimizing pesticide drift and crop insect monitoring
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of July 18
Pesticide drift Pesticide drift is a complicated subject and it carries significant financial and emotional baggage. This season has been challenging for many agricultural sectors and practices, and spray applicators have been challenged with difficult timing and limited opportunities for herbicide applications. When sprayer operators are rushed or frustrated they have to make hard decisions, […] Read more
Corn planting wraps up, soybean stands holding up
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of June 24
Corn Grain corn planting is complete on intended corn acres except on heavy clays that received more rain this week. Crop stages range from 8 leaf stage to newly emerged. Overall plant stands look good on lighter and medium textured soils although plant stress is becoming evident on corn seeded into less than ideal conditions. […] Read more
Corn planting mostly complete, slow pace remains for soybeans
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of June 17
Corn Grain corn planting is largely wrapped up. Depending on the region, anywhere from less than 10 per cent (heavy clays) to 90 per cent+ of intended corn acres have been planted. There were a small number of growers in higher heat unit regions intending to plant final fields of grain corn before the forecasted […] Read more
Planting progress made in most areas of Ontario
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of June 10
[UPDATED: June 14, 2019] Significant planting progress was made the end of last week and through the weekend as sunshine and warm temperatures dominated for a string of days. Despite the calendar date and reduced yield potential of later planting, many continued to plant corn noting the competitiveness of returns relative to soybeans. Many areas […] Read more
Weather window sees significant planting progress in parts of Ontario
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of June 3
There has been considerable progress across the area in the last few days. Some areas of the province continue to struggle such as south Huron and Perth and further southwest into the heavier soils of Lambton, Chatham, Essex and Niagara. These areas with the heaviest soils have continued to receive more rain than other areas […] Read more
More rain for Ontario fields sees less planted acres, so far
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of May 27
There was widespread rainfall over the weekend with most areas receiving 1 to 6 inches of rain on Saturday. It’s raining again today. Heavy downpours caused erosion and flooding around Parkhill, Tavistock, Lucan, and Embro just to name a few areas. Fields are saturated and there is little chance of field work until the end […] Read more
Wet weather lifts, corn, soybean planting begins
Ontario Field Crop Report for the week of May 20
The rains eased up a bit in the last week or so allowing some field activity, mainly on the sandier soils. Temperatures have remained on the cool side. Crop heat unit accumulation since May 1st is 175 which means that corn planted May 1 would just be emerging. Corn, soybean and tomato planting has begun. […] Read more
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