Map shows the percent of average rainfall received across Ontario in July, 2018 Lab analyses indicate that quality decline for first cut was very fast, and test results range from low to very high quality. Producers cutting based on calendar date rather than crop stage may have lower quality forages than expected. Pasture regrowth has […]
If ever there was a year to get out and scout before making a management decision, it is this year. Western bean cutworm trap catches have been much lower than previous years (Figure 1). Yes, many saw significant increase this past week, but they are still not at levels we would normally see during this […]
Join the OMAFRA Soil Team and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority for a hands-on day of learning about soil management on August 22nd. Six in-field sessions will explore a range of topics, including: Soil pits: exploring what’s under our feet Measuring soil health: in-field methods to evaluate soil structure, infiltration, and much more. “Soil your […]
Key points: Improper grounding is the most common reason for electric fence malfunctions Install 90 cm (3’) of ground rod for every joule of output from the energizer Ground rods should be more than 3 m (10’) from each other Ground rods should be more than 23 m (75’) from other grounds, waterlines, or utilities. […]
Cereals Winter wheat harvest progress is around 7-10 days ahead of last year. Given the relatively dry summer, early reports of yield have been average to below average although crop quality has been respectable. Post-harvest weed management A significant amount of annual weed seeds can be produced and dispersed after wheat harvest if the ground […]
This is a year of Stranger Things. Some insect pests that are expected in these conditions haven’t shown up yet while others are much more ahead of schedule, thanks to the hot days that are resulting in significant growing degree day accumulation. Tarnished plant bug is already being found in dry beans, even though the […]
Western bean cutworm trap counts this year have been very low so far. Although I would normally expect at least the far southwest to be reaching peak moth flight later this week, the traps are not indicating that yet. It might happen but there are not nearly the same number of moths flying around at […]
Soybeans Update Moisture Stress Most fields are now in the R2 (full flower) to R3 (beginning pod) growth stage. Vegetative growth has been highly dependent on the amount of rainfall in a given region and the planting date. Moisture stress and leaf yellowing is evident in many parts of the province. Late planted fields with […]
Red-headed flea beetles are enjoying a bit of feeding time in soybeans and corn this week. In corn, their feeding is most prevalent in the field border rows, though can scattered throughout the field too. The beetle strips away the leaf tissue causing window-paning, very similar to adult corn rootworm leaf feeding. This feeding is […]
Hay Cutting Height is a Management Tool Challenging growing conditions in 2016 and 2017 have weakened mature hay fields and put pressure on stands established during those years. When forages have been stressed it is a good time to think about how management practices can affect persistence and vigour. Cutting height is one factor that […]
While many fields have received rain over the last week, some areas are starting to show signs of stress from lack of moisture. A few pests take advantage of this situation. Thrips in Corn and Soybeans: A number of corn fields have had high levels of thrips. Rarely are they worthy of control, except in […]