The effects of a wet July are appearing in soybean fields across parts of southern Ontario, and although plants appear to be yellowing, it’s too early to assess the impact. Anecdotal reports of one, one-and-a-half, two and four inches of rain in separate events have had a visible effect on many growers’ fields, particularly in […] Read more
Weather conditions leave soybeans with wet feet
Damp areas may look worse than they are and there’s little response from adding more nutrients
IF and VF more than just letters on tires
The tire technologies may not be new, but the uses to affect yields and costs are
Growers have tried everything to reduce the effects of tire compaction on soils, from lowering tire inflation pressures to reducing passes with farm equipment. Increased flexion (IF) and very high flexion (VF) tires are not a new concept — both were introduced roughly 20 years ago — but the search for something to address compaction […] Read more
Mid-summer conditions raise alerts about late blight in potatoes
Growers are advised to scout and be proactive with fungicides
Late July brings a variety of conditions to potato fields across the province, and one common theme unites them all: late blight. The fungal disease has become serious in the past five or six years, garnering more attention through monitoring, the placement of spore traps and through regular updates courtesy of the Ontario Potato Board’s […] Read more
Study examines results from mid-season tissue sampling, inputs
Early testing results look promising but more data needed
Glacier FarmMedia – Increasing yields while decreasing reliance on fertilizers and inputs is a balancing act of doing more with less. The good news is there are more farmers, agronomists, advisers and researchers measuring specific soil and plant needs, identifying what’s missing and recommending when and where to place inputs for maximum benefit. The 2022 […] Read more
Charting the return of silage hybrids
Many producers want a broader range of attributes for corn
When assessing value in a corn crop, producers’ needs vary according to end uses. For cash croppers, it is measured in yield and bushels, but livestock producers want greater digestibility and more efficient feed use. It’s been 25 years since genetically modified hybrids became the norm and some in the seed trade say dual hybrids […] Read more
Management of potato virus Y enters new stage
Researcher indicates seed potato producers are at greater risk
Potato growers in Ontario are under constant pressure to manage blight and rhizoctonia. Long-term research shows that potato virus Y, or PVY, is another disease of concern, particularly to potato growers with both seed and processing crops. PVY isn’t new to Ontario, but research shows strains are evolving. That is the finding of a study […] Read more
Is soil health society’s responsibility?
Agriculture should not attend to soil health concerns on its own, says advocate
There are many well-intentioned terms, such as sustainability and regenerative, that arise when talking about soil health and soil conservation. But turning words in action is hard to accomplish, given the drive to keep fields productive. Many people say more must be done to stem soil damage. Some statistics support that view: There is also […] Read more
New genetic horizons for food-grade soybeans
Future varieties will resist diseases like SCN and white mould
Soybean cyst nematode and white mould are two problematic diseases in many parts of Ontario, where most counties have confirmed infections. In eastern parts of the province and western Quebec, white mould is an almost perennial issue for growers and can appear in hot spots in southern regions as well. The two diseases can be […] Read more
Finding a way with organic no-till soybeans
Weed management remains the biggest challenge
Organic production is never an easy prospect, and trying to do it without tillage presents additional challenges. But for Aaron Bowman, it’s been possible with a different kind of planning, monitoring and adjusting to conditions during a growing season. Bowman, who farms east of Oshawa, raises beef cattle as part of a 350-acre operation, including […] Read more
The emerging story on Ontario potatoes
Early planting in some regions has growers anticipating solid yields
Despite concerns that early planting may have been a little too early, reports from the Ontario Potato Board are favourable. Farmers in the southwestern part of the province planted potato crops last month that are now emerging after hit-and-miss weather through much of April. Why it matters: Timing of potato planting has varied widely across […] Read more
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