Generally dry conditions have reduced the threat of mycotoxins in corn this year, although rains during humid days could change that as corn moves to tasselling and silking. However, Dave […] Read more
Tag Archives OMAFRA
Managing corn mycotoxins needs scouting, hybrid choice
Farmer can reduce risk of mycotoxins, including through insect and spore management
Hardeman looks for ways to reduce barriers to agriculture growth
The new Ontario agriculture minister supports a continued review of business risk management programs
It’s the second time around for Ontario new agriculture minister Ernie Hardeman and he sees a lot of the same challenges in Ontario agriculture as he did before. “Obviously the […] Read more
Looking for answers on sulphur
OMAFRA is looking for co-operators to further knowledge on sulphur needs in corn and soybeans
For years, Ontario agronomists have pointed to changes in air pollution from U.S. industries as the reason for the rise of sulphur deficiency in north-of-the-border crops. Why it matters: Back […] Read more
Quality first cut, not a lot of second cut
The Ontario Forage Council’s Forage Expo gave farmers a chance to check out almost 40 pieces of equipment
Ontario’s hay crop has both benefited from and been challenged by the weather extremes this summer. Early in the season the extended spring rains resulted in good first cut growth, […] Read more
Edible beans and the soybean cyst nematode
Some varieties of edible beans are highly susceptible to SCN — Ontario researchers are working to figure out why
The nematode’s resilience and prevalence in all of Ontario’s major soybean-producing areas makes managing the pest a challenge, though not impossible. Farmers growing edible beans under processing contracts can keep […] Read more
Taking the dicamba cleanse
Experts remind growers to take an active approach to sprayer cleaning, and of the importance of ammonia in removing dicamba residues
The sensitivity of soybeans and other plants to dicamba — a volatile auxin-based herbicide employed in various forms since the 1960s — is extreme. Even trace amounts can cause significant […] Read more
Kicking the antimicrobial habit
Farmers have already lost ability to use antimicrobials for growth enhancement; tighter purchasing restrictions are next
Farmers worry new Health Canada regulations that require veterinary prescriptions for commonly used antimicrobials will affect the industry’s competitiveness. Why it matters: Resistance to antimicrobials continues to grow among diseases […] Read more
Why cull dairy cows are discounted
The price paid for cows with poor body condition score is dropped 20 cents per kg, meaning there may be opportunities to dry off and feed those cows
Instead of calling in the livestock trucker as soon as milk production drops off from a cow with an infected hock or low body condition, it may pay Ontario dairy […] Read more
Province lays out soil health strategy
Measures aim to improve soil health over the next decade
The Ontario government’s soil health strategy is a sprawling plan that aims to provide industry guidance on improving soil health out to 2030. It plans to do that by bringing […] Read more
How can hay compete with corn, soy and wheat?
Applying more intensive management, especially fertilizer, can bump hay yields
There is significant potential to increase yields on Ontario’s hay fields by implementing strategies commonly used growing crops like corn and soybeans. Why it matters: The Ontario Hay and Forage […] Read more