Field Crop News is a resource for Ontario field crop production. It is managed by the Field Crop Unit of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). Browse our library of information by:
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Summer Job Opportunities: OMAFRA Ridgetown Field Research Assistants
Are you serious about making your mark, getting hands-on work experience and learning more about careers in the Ontario Public Service? This position will provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in a career in crop production, research or the agricultural service sector. […]
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How do I repair pugged pasture?
Pugging is sod damage and soil compaction caused by livestock hooves. Prevent pugging by moving livestock to a barn, dry lot, or sacrifice paddock. Assess the severity of pugging to determine the most appropriate repair options. Timely repairs maintain pasture yield and keep weeds out. […]
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2021 Corn Seasonal Summary
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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Early Lessons from Ridgetown’s Long-term Cover Crop Trial for Field Crops
Dr. Dave Hooker and his colleagues have been curious about the value of integrating cover crops into a farming operation in the long term. These questions have remained unanswered by numerous short-term trials they had been conducting, which led them to establish a new trial. As it can take time for a cropping system to […]
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Correctly Grounding an Electric Fence
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. […]
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Selecting an Energizer for Your Electric Fence
Key points: The most economical power source (hydro, batteries, or solar) depends on ease of access to fencer Output voltage needs to be high enough to get the attention of the livestock being contained Output joules rating must be capable of delivering the voltage along the length of wire in the fence When in doubt, buy […]
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Can I Plant Corn in Rotation After Canola?
Planting corn after a crop of canola is generally not recommended, and the reason why has to do with beneficial fungi living in the soil. However, some studies and anecdotal experience in Ontario have shown that this rotation is not always problematic. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) Many crops we grow, including corn, have a symbiotic […]
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What is the true cost of Alfalfa Snout Beetle on your farm?
This article was written by Dr. Elson Shields, Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY **A note from Christine: Alfalfa snout beetle is an invasive species. A 2008 survey confirmed its presence in Leeds & Grenville, Prescott & Russell, and Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry counties. At that time, over 150 km2 were infested. Dr. Shield’s […]
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Is there a Safe Rate of In-Furrow Fertilizer for Soybeans?
Some crops respond well to seed placed fertilizer. Applying phosphorus to wheat in-furrow has become standard practice for many growers. The amount of fertilizer that can be applied safely depends on the crop species, the type of fertilizer, the rate, soil type and soil moisture. Complete crop failures are possible if the seed or seedling […]