2023 Summer Employment Opportunity – Corn Agronomy Research and Extension Assistant

Organization:                         Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Division/Branch:                   Economic Development Division / Agriculture Development Branch Position Title:                        Corn Agronomy Research and Extension Assistant Job Term:                              Temporary for up to 18 weeks, beginning spring 2023 Salary:                                    $16.35 / hour, based on a 36.25 hour work week Office Location:                    Guelph, Ontario Contact:                                 Ben Rosser, ben.rosser@ontario.ca Get your […]

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Do you need to worry about tire soil compaction in the rows during corn planting?

Summary This article was written by Gia Shelp, OMAFRA Corn Specialist Assistant, Summer 2022. As the assistant to OMAFRA corn specialist Ben Rosser this summer, I have had first-hand experience on the importance of avoiding compaction in fields. From being mindful of how I drive machinery in our research plots to visiting farmer’s fields and […]

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Black Cutworm Alert – Corn and Soybeans At Risk

Reports are coming in that black cutworm larvae are cutting corn and even soybeans. We don’t often see cutting in soybeans but two fields in Niagara region were reported today with significant stand loss and a variety of sizes of larvae (Figures 1 & 2). Fields not treated with an insecticide seed treatment or planted […]

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AG Mental Health Resources

Farming is a stressful occupation at any time. However, recent world events have created significant pressures on farming operations and those who support them. While mental health has come a long way in recognition and over coming stigma, many still try to “go it alone”! While most of us are not trained in mental health, […]

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2021 Corn Seasonal Summary

Corn field southwest of London showing stress and variability from excessive rainfall from late June through August.

Planting In March 2021 Statistics Canada estimated Ontario farmers intended to plant 2.2 million acres of grain corn, 3% higher than the 5-year (2016-2020) average seeded acres of 2.14 million acres (OMAFRA Crop Statistics). Spring 2021 provided a great start for planting. While April generally remained cool, lack of rainfall provided excellent soil conditions with […]

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