Ontario’s crop season continues to be advanced of normal, which is especially evident in perennial and over-winter crop development. Crop heat units (CHU) and growing degree days (GDD) are significantly above the 10-year average, especially in southern Ontario. Progress for field work, particularly on heavier-textured soils has been limited due to frequent patchy rain, cool […] Read more
Winter wheat crops quickly advance, alfalfa weevil seen active
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of May 16
How Ontario crops are shaping up so far
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of May 9
Cereals Winter wheat is advanced by 10-14 days in southern Ontario compared to other years, particularly in early planted fields. Fields in Essex are now at the early boot stages. Regions of the province further north and east as well as later planted fields are not as advanced and are at the first to second […] Read more
Three tips for weed management this fall
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week ending September 18
Reflecting on some of the weed control issues that came up this past spring, below are three key items where management activities this fall can significantly improve control and/or financial return next season. 1. Fall management provides better dandelion control. In the fall, resource allocation of perennial weeds shifts and carbohydrates move towards the root […] Read more
Feed the crop that feeds the livestock!
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week ending September 4
For forage producers, the production year starts in the fall. What farmers do from mid-August to the end of the growing season impacts this winter’s feed inventory and next year’s forage yield potential. Forage crops have the highest crop nutrient removal values of any field crop grown in Ontario. Harvesting the whole crop while it […] Read more
The potential impacts to field crops from wildfire smoke
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week ending August 30
Smoke from northern Ontario and Quebec wildfires was prevalent across Ontario for several weeks in June and early July. While a smoky haze was often visible during these weeks (see photo above), the heaviest days carried a campfire-like smell and reportedly even reduced visibility in parts of Northern and Eastern Ontario. What is the impact […] Read more
What to do with those stubble fields now? Consider BioStrip Till
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week ending August 23
Winter wheat combining has almost wrapped up across the province after a challenging harvest due to persistent rainfall. There is a lot of enthusiasm for wheat across Ontario as yields were good to excellent and quality was good. Now, what to do with the wheat stubble? If you have manure, now is the best time […] Read more
What’s in your crop decision-making toolbox?
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of August 14
It’s the middle of August and we’re in that awkward lull where cereals are off, the last passes of fungicides on soybeans are done and it is almost time to start attending all those in-field plot days. Those days are meant to get producers talking, asking questions and get the thought process started for the […] Read more
Identifying and addressing soil structure challenges
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of August 7
A well-structured soil improves water infiltration, air exchange, rooting, and ultimately crop yield. On the other hand, a cloddy, dense, or compacted soil may result in ponding, nutrient losses, and restricted root systems. Poor soil structure contributes to lower crop yields, especially in seasons that are either too dry or too wet. In this article, […] Read more
Managing cover crop nitrogen, residue breakdown
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for the week of July 31
Across Ontario, wheat harvest continues, opening the best window for planting cover crops in most field crop rotations. You can find more information on the 2023 winter wheat quality update and achieving success with cover crops after wheat at fieldcropnews.com. But can those cover crops be managed to supply nitrogen to the next crop? The amount of nitrogen […] Read more
Evaluating your soil’s structure
Why it’s important and how to measure quality
Many Ontario soils display a similar pattern of compaction. The secondary tillage layer, usually the top two to four inches, is relatively loose and friable, with mostly small, rounded aggregates, especially earlier in the season before rains reconsolidate the soil. Below this layer is usually one that is significantly denser and more poorly structured. In the […] Read more
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