There is a significant increase in acres of new forage seedings. Many forage seedings are already in the ground. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by preparing a firm seedbed. Forage inventories are exceptionally low for this time of year, with record high hay prices being reported. Frost Damaged Alfalfa: A considerable amount of alfalfa was damaged […]
Winter cereals responded immediately to warmer temperatures and showers over the weekend, regaining good green colour and growth. A few isolated acres in frost prone areas have been killed by frost (a first in my 27 years). Significant varietal differences in frost injury. Whether this will translate into yield differences remains to be seen. Advanced […]
Depending on the area, 5-30% of the corn crop has been planted. Soil conditions have been very good. Cool temperatures (especially at night) in the last week have slowed the emergence process. If drying trends continue growers are advised to be cautious with secondary tillage that is too aggressive (too deep, too many passes) and […]
A few “experimental” fields have been seeded. Although the long term Ontario data shows an average yield gain to early planting there are also increased risks. Over the last 3 years the yield loss associated with delayed planting has been 0.1 bu/ac/day after April 20th. The majority of soybeans should be planted in late April […]
Planting is 40% complete in the west-central region of Ontario. Early April seeded canola is 10-50% emerged. Cold temperatures with sub-zero nights has slowed emergence and delayed seeding.Soil conditions have been excellent for field work although windy and dry weather is resulting in rapid drying of soils. If soils are dry and loose, level and […]
Synopsis: Field work continues with many areas reporting dry conditions. High winds yesterday moved a tremendous amount of soil. Pictures below are from Bruce county in fields where there was no tillage equipment being operated at the time the pictures were taken. This kind of wind erosion has not been seen in Ontario for many […]
Included: crop status, wheat, glyphosate resitant weeds (status and control), weed control update (Peter Sikkema). Synopsis: Very little corn planted as of April 10th. Many growers will start this week. A few “experimental” soybeans have been planted. The wheat in this region looks tough, with too many areas suffering from wet feet. Considerable spring grain planted […]
There was an early break in alfalfa dormancy in early- to mid-March. In some areas, significant alfalfa growth (up to 6 – 8 inches or more) was frost damaged when colder temperatures returned on March 30th (-7°C or colder). Damage was most severe in south-western Ontario, on good healthy stands with early, aggressive growth. Ironically, […]
Synopsis: The majority of spring cereals crop have been planted. In eastern Ontario about 60% of spring wheat has been seeded. The early spring has allowed for a lot of field work and manure application to occur in good soil conditions. The majority of winter wheat has received some nitrogen, with many growers opting to split […]
GENERAL: The relatively mild winter and early start to the spring season means that there will be a re-evaluation of many “normal” practices. Early break of dormancy for forage, wheat and tree crops, opportunity for early application (or split application) of nitrogen to wheat crops, germination of many weeds, and more tillage than previous years […]
SYNOPSIS: The early spring has given good opportunity for fieldwork operations. Most of the spring cereals and direct seeded alfalfa are planted, and manure applications have been made on excellent soil conditions. Not all soils are dry; growers should be cautioned to watch soil moisture conditions. The hard frost Monday March 30th (as low as -12 […]
By early to mid April, the base of healthy alfalfa plants will have firm buds and numerous new green shoots with 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 cm) of growth. Damaged plants, on the other hand, will show no or minimal green-up. Digging up plants and cutting the root open lengthwise is helpful in […]
Canola seedlings can with stand a considerable frost (-5 to -8 0 C) if plants have become acclimatized following a few days of cold temperatures. However, canola seedlings growing under warm conditions will be tender, and can be killed by even a f few degrees frost. Ice crystals will form on the leaf surface before […]
Co-Authors: Dr. Peter Sikkema (University of Guelph) Growers looking to optimize efficiency of field operations often inquire about applying a herbicide with 28% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) as a carrier. In theory it makes sense. An application of 28% UAN at 400 L/ha (42 US gal/ac) as a carrier with a herbicide would save a […]
Winter wheat is one of the few crops that provide a second opportunity to assess the crop in spring and replant to another crop if winter survival is not acceptable. Assess the wheat crop during April and early May. Leave the replant decision as late as possible to accurately determine plant stand and plant health. […]