Assessing soybean performance

Assessing soybean performance

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for September 22

Soybean harvest has begun, and yields have generally been good. Many growers are reporting above average yields. But there are fields that underperformed. For those fields that yielded less than expected, it’s important to assess why in order to make good management decisions for the future. Sometimes we blame the weather or a specific variety […] Read more

Typical N deficiency symptoms in corn – leaf yellowing and senescence along the mid rib in from the leaf tip, starting from older/lower leaves.

What will be the corn N story for 2021?

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for September 1

While the 2021 growing season started dry, regular and often heavy rains started for many areas from Southern to Eastern Ontario from late June through July. Some received well above normal rainfall in July. Naturally, conversations began revolving around “are we losing nitrogen (N)” or “will we need more N on corn?” Optimum N rate […] Read more

Figure 1. Weekly WBC trap catches for Ontario. Peak flight occurred during the week of July 29th to August 4th.

Flight of the western bean cutworm

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for August 25

It is safe to say that western bean cutworm (WBC) is a pest that we can rely on entering corn and dry beans every year in Ontario. Though a frustrating pest to scout for, using traps to monitor moth flight has helped us better predict when to expect peak moth flight occurs, which is shortly […] Read more

Scouting for tar spot.

Update on tar spot in corn

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for August 18

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

Figure 1. An oat cover crop in the fall of 2020 in Waterloo region.

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


The seed head of chess grass extending beyond a winter wheat canopy.

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

The main risk is that soybeans planted late will not mature or will be extremely low in yield.

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

Dry field conditions prevail, corn, soy planting nearly complete

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for May 26

Conditions Some thunderstorms through Essex provided some moisture, but most areas of the province received less than 5 mm over the long weekend and conditions throughout the province remain dry. Temperatures have transitioned from colder than normal to summer-like, and double-digit night-time temperatures have helped newly planted crops to emerge quickly. Cereals Early planted wheat […] Read more


Testing soil for soybean cyst nematode

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for September 17

Soybean harvest has begun, and many growers have asked if they could sample for soybean cyst nematode this fall. For many growers, managing soybean cyst nematode (SCN) means planting SCN resistance varieties BUT effective SCN management does not end when you have selected your soybean varieties! It is imperative to not only know your SCN […] Read more

Getting the most from the water available to you

OMAFRA Field Crop Report for August 20

Field Crop News – Water is the most important limiting input for crop production. In more than a couple of the past years, producers across the province have been forced to watch while their crops suffer from dry conditions in the heat of summer. Other than irrigation (which is rare for field crops in Ontario), […] Read more