Rainfall accumulation across the region for the past week was approx. 40 mm (1.5 inches), nearly double the weekly normal. Since May 1st, the area accumulated about 130 mm of rain, which is slightly above the average and roughly 600 Crop Heat Units, which is on par with the 30 year average.
Forages:
First cut hay is about 70% done, with most producers looking at a good second cut crop. Grasses responded well to nitrogen. A few grass fields also responded to a sulphur application. Forage supplies vary across the region. Some producers have a large supply while others are still short. New seedings are coming along well, with the early plantings likely ready for first cut around July 1st. Most new alfalfa stands are beyond the herbicide spray window.
High level of alfalfa weevil feeding was reported in the Almonte area.
Cereals:
A high percentage of the winter wheat stands are uneven, which is impacting uniformity of head emergence and timing of a fusarium fungicide application. The unevenness is mostly the result of uneven fall emergence and winter stress/damage.
Most of the spring wheat acreage has been sprayed for weed control. Some included the early fungicide application with the herbicide. Spot blotch on barley and Septoria leaf spot have been reported. Some growers applying higher rates of nitrogen are splitting the application 50:50, with the second application timed with stem elongation.
The growth regulator Ethrel is no longer registered on barley, but still registered on spring wheat. Timing of Ethrel application on wheat is between flag emergence to just before emergence of the awns.
Corn:
20 to 30% of the corn acreage in eastern Ontario is sidedressed with nitrogen. At this point there is still a lot of corn yet to be sidedressed. If sidedress nitrogen application falls significantly behind, some will opt to broadcast urea. For the Nitrogen Status in 2013 Corn Fields report, see https://fieldcropnews.com/?p=7305. From the sample results, there is indication that cool spring temperatures may have slowed nitrogen mineralization/release from manure and rotated legume stands.
Around 10% of the corn acreage has yet to receive the first herbicide application. Also, in some fields velvetleaf is already pushing through the pre-emergence herbicide treatment.
When it warms-up, expect some corn to show rapid growth syndrome, where light colored leaves emerge partially twisted from the whorl. The occurrence is most common when young corn shifts quickly from slow development (cool weather) to rapid development (warm weather). Sometimes the wrapped whorl will bend over and almost touch the ground. Cutworm moth numbers in the Quebec trap system are below average.
Soybeans:
A small acreage of soybeans has yet to be planted, mostly following 1st cut hay. Early planted soybeans are at the first to second trifoliate. The total soybean acreage is similar to last year’s. A small amount of crusting due to heavy rains in past few weeks was reported. Where pre-emergence herbicides were applied, especially in IP beans, fields should check for weed escapes. Common ragweed escapes are already being reported. Some of the escapes are likely resistant to Group 2 herbicides.
Crop Insurance:
Report planted acres by June 30th. Premiums due by July 10th.
Planting date deadlines for crop insurance coverage:
Both corn for silage and grain – June 15th
Beans – June 30th
Growers who planted soybeans into a hay sod after a cut of hay are to call Crop Insurance to have an adjuster evaluate the field for insurance coverage on those acres.
Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day will be on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at the Winchester Research Farm of the University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus.
NEXT MEETING: Country Kitchen, Winchester, June 25, 2013
|
Scott Banks (613) 294-4436 Cell |
Gilles Quesnel Twitter: @GillesQuesnel |