July 2019 Forage Report

map showing percent of average rainfall in July 2019 in Ontario. Most of the province had below average rainfall, except the north shore of Lake Eire, and northwestern Ontario.
  • The OntarioHayListings.ca website is a free classifieds database for producers looking to buy or sell hay and straw.

Southwestern

  • According to AAFC, the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, as well as Essex, Chatham-Kent, Lambton, Middlesex, Elgin, Oxford, Norfolk, Brant, Haldimand, and Hamilton received average or above-average precipitation for the month of July. The rest of the region experienced below-average amounts of rainfall during the past month.
  • Potato leafhopper has been found at threshold in Niagara. Since this pest is introduced on storm fronts blowing up from the southern U.S., it is usually widespread across large areas. Producers should scout fields every 5-7 days. Scouting information can be found on pages 341 and 342 of OMAFRA Pub. 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops.

Central and Eastern

  • According to AAFC, most of the region received 40-60% of average rainfall during July. Parts of Ottawa, Lanark, Leeds & Grenville, and Muskoka received less than 40% of average precipitation for the past month. An area in the southern parts of Frontenac, Lennox & Addington, and Leeds & Grenville received 60-85% of average rainfall. Overall, there have been windows to make dry hay, but regrowth may be slower than expected.
  • Potato leafhopper has been found at or above threshold across the region. These small, wedge-shaped, lime green insects can stunt alfalfa growth and reduce winter survival. Producers should scout fields every 5-7 days. Scouting information can be found on pages 341 and 342 of OMAFRA Pub. 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops.

Northeastern

  • According to AAFC, the eastern end of Manitoulin Island has had average rainfall for July, but conditions are drier further west on the island. The western part of Sudbury District and the eastern part of Algoma also had average precipitation last month. Central Algoma, eastern parts of Sudbury District, and Nipissing had 60-85% average rainfall last month, while Cochrane, Temiskaming and Parry Sound had 40-60% average rainfall.
  • Armyworm has been found above threshold in Temiskaming District. The larvae prefer to feed on grasses and cereals. Field borders should be scouted every four days to prevent invasions. Scouting information can be found on pages 315 and 316 of OMAFRA Pub. 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops.

Northwestern

  • According to AAFC, Kenora and Rainy River Districts received between 115-200% of average rainfall for the month of July. Thunder Bay District had average or below-average rainfall.
  • Wet conditions have delayed first cut in Kenora District. Regrowth from first cut in Rainy River is strong. Pasture growth across the region is good.
  • Armyworm has been found above threshold in Rainy River District. The larvae prefer to feed on grasses and cereals. Field borders should be scouted every four days to prevent invasions. Scouting information can be found on pages 315 and 316 of OMAFRA Pub. 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops.

For more information about potato leafhopper and true armyworm, see:

Are Insects Eating Your Forage Crop?

Potato Leafhopper in Alfalfa

Watch for Armyworm in Spring Cereals and Mixed Forages

map depicting the percent of average rainfall received in Ontario for the month of July. Most of the province is below average, except along the north shore of Lake Erie and in northwestern Ontario
Figure 1. Percent of average rainfall for the month of July, 2019

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