YOU’VE CRUNCHED THE data, identified your management zones and created nutrient and seed population prescription maps. Now, how can you be sure that you’re actually making a measureable, positive impact on your fields? This, according to the applied researchers leading the Precision Agriculture Advancement for Ontario (PAAO) project, is why validation needs to play an […]
Winter Wheat: Although progress has been made on nitrogen applications, the rainfall has delayed this operation in some parts of the province. The wheat is roughly 1 week ahead of long term average development. Some winter wheat is at the 1st node stage putting it past the optimal weed control timing window (Figure 1). The […]
Winter Wheat: The winter wheat crop looks excellent throughout much of the province. There is lots of growth with excellent yield potential. This lush growth will increase the risk of foliar leaf diseases like powdery mildew (Figure 1) and Septoria (Figure 2) especially in susceptible varieties; regular scouting will detect early infection and allow for […]
General The weather forecast is an obvious concern for everyone. Not much done and lots to do. Once there is a break its going to be a mad dash to the finish. We know from previous research and experience that the importance of early planting date to yield potential is over ridden by the requirement […]
Soil temperatures are at 10 degrees C which means that wireworms and grubs are active near the soil surface. So it is also a great time to set up wireworm baits or dig for grubs. For the 2017 planting season, growers wanting to purchase and plant neonic treated corn and soybean seed require a pest […]
General Conditions: Currently some growers are beginning to spread manure and applying fertilizer on hay and winter wheat stands. To date very few fields have been cultivated due to the wet weather. Field conditions are more like a normal year. Forages: Most forage stands appear to have survived well. However, forage stands south of Highway […]
Crop Insurance IMPORTANT NOTE Review your farm renewals! Call in damage report when you first notice it (they will decide if inspection required) To date a few winter wheat claims, but small by comparison to other years and mostly from areas that would be expected. Tends to be low areas in fields especially with the […]
Breakfast Sponsor: Thanks from group to “Bob Thirlwall – Monsanto/Dekalb Seeds“ The Quote of the Week comes from Bob Buis Agronomist with Pioneer Seeds – “Remember Your Fence Lines and Be Careful With Poison Ivy” ! The group wishes you a speedy recovery, Bob! National Soil Conservation Week Synopsis: The winter wheat crop looks excellent […]
Thank you to Martin Harry who chaired meeting and to Secan that sponsored breakfast. The next meeting will be on May 9th starting at 7:00 am for breakfast (meeting starts at 7:30). Joanna Follings will be the chairperson. A special welcome was made of the considerable number of students present at the meeting. It’s great […]
This is the last year of the four year on-farm study investigating early season insect pests and efficacy of neonicotinoid and/or diamide seed treatments in corn or soybeans. University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus are looking for participants again this year. The full trial protocol can be found here. Any growers planting neonic, diamide or both […]
It is National Soil Conservation Week this week, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to look at the impact of erosion on soils in Ontario over the past few months. Throughout the middle of April we’ve had some intense rain events. We had a mild winter this year in southwestern Ontario, with […]
WINTER WHEAT: Reports from across the region indicate that the wheat crop is looking good, with minimal damage reported on sites that are imperfectly drained and areas subject to ponding. September planted wheat is tillering nicely with later planted ground being not as far along. Fields that received higher rates of starter or manure are […]
In, Dealing with Escapes – What will they cost you? , we discussed late emerging weeds and their effect on corn yield. We also discussed some points to consider beyond the effect the weeds will have on yield and why you might consider a post application. A post-emergence application can provide you with the opportunity to control […]
Breakfast Sponsor: Thanks from group to “Stephanie Divirtaris – Syngenta Seeds“ Synopsis: The quote of the week comes from Dr. Peter Sikkema – “Start Clean – Stay Clean”! The group acknowledged the passing of Morris Sagriff and Alan Spicer both regular attendees at the meetings. Their interesting contributions to the discussion will be missed. Corn […]
Alfalfa/Forages Alfalfa is just breaking dormancy. Roots seem intact, with some new growth just starting. The consensus is that winter survival is good in eastern Ontario, other than some of the poorly drained land where there was some heaving of the crowns 2 to 3 inches out of the ground. Further west, mainly along the […]