Tar spot in corn was first identified last year in Ontario on September 21, 2020 and confirmed to overwinter in Ontario on July 2, 2021 in West Elgin. Since then, tar spot has been also detected in Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Middlesex and Norfolk counties as of July 18, 2021 (see below). This was anticipated since […] Read more
Update on tar spot in corn
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for August 18
Cover crops for weed management
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for August 4
It’s the time of year when Ontario farmers are turning their attention to seeding cover crops following cereal harvest. Each grower has their own reasons for growing a cover crop – whether it’s to improve organic matter, hold onto nutrients from manure, provide a nitrogen credit or protect against erosion. In this report, we will […] Read more
Grassy weeds in winter wheat at harvest
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for July 28
Three different types of grassy weeds have been found above the winter wheat canopy at harvest this year. To prevent them from becoming a problem, they need to be identified so that the appropriate management actions can be taken. Here is a breakdown of each grass species and control options. Chess grass (Bromus secalinus) Management: Chess grass […] Read more
Revitalizing soil with manure and cover crops after harvesting wheat
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for July 21
Wheat in a crop rotation provides many benefits, including spreading weather risks that can impact yields and balancing workload more evenly between planting and harvest season. Wheat also provides the opportunity to revitalize the soil; to disrupt pest cycles; alleviate compaction and increase subsequent corn and soybean crop yields. Best of all, wheat in rotation […] Read more
Root rot, white mould and crop pest insects
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for July 13
There are mixed reports on the health of dry beans in Ontario this season. While many fields look good, rains following the initially dry conditions at planting have increased the incidence of root rots as well as the risk of white mould. Root rot In Ontario, the four main fungal pathogens causing root rot are […] Read more
Are double crop soybeans following wheat harvest in your plans?
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for July 7
The unprecedented price of soybeans has fueled considerable interest in double cropping soybeans. As winter wheat comes off there are a number of factors that should be considered. Since half the growing season is over by mid-July double cropping soybeans in Ontario is risky and not covered by crop insurance. Double cropping has been tried numerous times with variable success. The main […] Read more
Much ado about crop pest insects
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for June 23
It is proving to be another good insect year with several early season pests keeping everyone busy scouting to stay ahead of. Going into July and August, there are a few more pests that we need to keep watch for. Thrips continue to be spotted in soybeans, corn and wheat fields. There are several different kinds […] Read more
Corn stand checkup
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for June 16
Scouting corn between emergence and knee high provides a report card on seedbed preparation, planter operation and agronomic practices affecting early plant establishment and growth. Causes of issues can often be identified at this stage to make improvements for following years. Counting plants For easy math, a common method of measuring population is to measure […] Read more
Corn N status and forage crop bugs
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for June 9
Corn Nitrogen Status Nitrogen mineralization is favoured by warm soil temperatures with adequate soil moisture and aeration. Excess moisture can slow mineralization or increase the potential for losses through denitrification (especially under warm conditions) or leaching. Spring of 2021 progressed similar to 2020. Sunshine and little rainfall resulted in great soil conditions through April and […] Read more
How are Ontario soybeans holding up?
OMAFRA Field Crop Report for June 2
The majority of the soybean crop was planted by May 20th. Although plant stands have generally been good, there are fields with poor emergence. Poor soybean stands can be caused by various issues such as insect or slug feeding, but this year the main problem has been dry soil. Soybeans must be seeded about 0.5 […] Read more
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