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 Hooker, of the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown College, says that historical monitoring of mycotoxin levels by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs […] Read more
Tag Archives OMAFRA — page 12
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 principles of what we want to do are the same — build on the good agriculture system we have in Ontario. But there is always […] 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 in 1990, southern Ontario was at the heart of a widespread “dark red” patch of high sulphur deposition, but by 2015, not just the dark […] 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, and then some clear weather around maturity meant more dry hay harvested in much of the province than has been possible for several years. Why […] 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 soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) under control through strict rotation schedules of crops that don’t include SCN-susceptible soybean varieties, as well as crop scouting and soil […] 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 damage to susceptible crops, meaning proper equipment cleaning is critical to avoiding unintended problems. Why it matters: Use of the herbicide will increase with the […] 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 that harm humans. Limiting the amount of those antimicrobials used in animal agriculture has become a step to maintaining antimicrobials for human use. The use […] 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 producers to dry those cows off, feed them long enough to regain condition, then send them to auction. That was a major finding from a […] 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 farm groups, government and agribusiness together to provide the drive to make change happen. Why it matters: Crop farming practices have changed in Ontario, with […] 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 Co-operator is looking to increase the amount of acres of high quality hay, especially timothy, grown in the province and in order to increase hay […] Read more
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