Crop Conditions – Week of June 5th, 2023

Conditions

Field conditions across most of the province are drier than normal. This generally will have little effect on corn and soybeans since both are at the early vegetative growth stage. The impact on winter cereals could be significant since they are already out in head and at, or nearing, pollination.

Forages

There is an unusually high risk of spontaneous combustion in dry hay that was put up in May this year. During the past two weeks of dry weather, a lot of first-cut hay acres were harvested early (e.g. normal timing is mid-June timing. Reports are coming in of hay that looked, felt, and tested dry enough to bale, but once in storage the moisture content bounced back up above 25%. All new crop hay should be checked daily for signs of heating for the first three months in storage.

Spontaneous combustion can occur when sufficient moisture (above 25% and below 45% moisture content) and oxygen are present together to support the growth of bacteria and moulds in the forage. Microbial growth heats the forage. In the temperature range of 54 to 65°C, a chemical process called the Maillard Reaction may occur, causing additional heat generation. This reaction can be self-sustaining and does not require oxygen to continue. The gases produced will ignite if they have reached a high enough temperature and are exposed to air.

If forage temperatures are above 70°C, increase monitoring to once every 4 hours. If temperatures reach 80°C, call the fire department: the forage is likely to combust. Be aware that haylage with a moisture content below 45% is also at high risk of spontaneous combustion. Dry weather in the last 14 days may have wilted haylage faster than anticipated. Silage that is too dry does not pack well, which increases the amount of air remaining in the silo after filling.

Corn

In general, the corn crop looks good throughout most of the province. Poor stand establishment exists on heavier clay soils crusted over. The crop ranges from the 2-3 to 5-6 leaf stage and is currently in the critical weed-free period (Figure 1). As such, weed management in corn has been a significant priority over the past week.

Figure 1. Early planted corn is at the 5-6 leaf stage and nearing the end of the critical weed-free period.

Figure 1. Early planted corn is at the 5-6 leaf stage and nearing the end of the critical weed-free period.

Nitrogen side-dressing has begun. Current warm, dry conditions are conducive to nitrogen losses from volatilization. The use of a nitrogen stabilizer can reduce nitrogen volatilization, especially if the side-dress application isn’t placed deep enough in the soil. For more information, refer to: https://fieldcropnews.com/2023/06/do-i-need-a-nitrogen-stabilizer-with-in-season-nitrogen-in-corn/

Winter Wheat

Current dry conditions are likely to have the greatest impact on winter wheat, as it is in the critical heading to flowering growth stages that impact yield. Earlier in the spring, the crop looked excellent. Currently, signs of moisture stress are apparent, with uneven head emergence and moisture stressed leaves, most obvious on lighter textured soils (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Moisture stress to winter wheat has become apparent on lighter textured and heavy clay soils.

Figure 2. Moisture stress to winter wheat has become apparent on lighter textured and heavy clay soils.

In the southwest part of the province, winter wheat has pollinated and T3 fungicides for the management of fusarium head blight were applied last week. In mid-western, central and eastern Ontario, wheat is at or approaching pollination and T3 applications have begun or are imminent. More producers than in a typical year have opted not to apply a T3 fungicide because of dry conditions and the low risk for fusarium head blight. However, many acres have still been treated since historically a significant yield benefit to T3 fungicide applications has been observed and there is a need to manage powdery mildew in some fields.

Soybeans

Soybeans planted in late May, during the hot weather and good soil conditions, came up quickly and plant stands look excellent. Soybeans planted prior to the last significant rain event (May 19th) and into less-than-ideal soil conditions have lower and more variable stands but are still acceptable. Soybeans planted on the heavy clay soils at this time have experienced poor stand establishment and re-planting has occurred. Soybeans planted into dry soil conditions have experienced poor germination but will germinate once adequate rainfall occurs. Do not assess a poor soybean stand too quickly, since more seedlings may still emerge. Fields with a plant reduction of 50% do not need replanting if plant loss is uniform and the stand is healthy. Numerous studies and field experience have demonstrated that keeping an existing stand is often more profitable than replanting. Replanting gives no guarantee of a perfect stand.

Most of the crop is in the unifoliate to 1st trifoliate stage of growth. The critical weed-free period begins at the 1st trifoliate stage (Figure 3). Weed removal during this period in drier years is more important. There are already examples of moisture stressed soybeans from weed competition (Figure 4). The benefits of early season removal have the greatest impact in dry years.

Figure 3. Soybeans in this field are at the 1st trifoliate stage, this is the beginning of the critical weed-free period. These weeds should not be here at this stage and need to be removed as soon as possible.

Figure 3. Soybeans in this field are at the 1st trifoliate stage, this is the beginning of the critical weed-free period. These weeds should not be here at this stage and need to be removed as soon as possible.

Figure 4. Moisture stressed soybeans on light textured soils and amongst heavy weed pressure. Early season weed control is extremely important in dry seasons.

Figure 4. Moisture stressed soybeans on light textured soils and amongst heavy weed pressure. Early season weed control is extremely important in dry seasons.

Dry Beans

Significant acreage has been planted with estimates ranging from 65-80% complete. In some instances, finding moisture has been a challenge and planting depths of 2.5” (6.3 cm) have not been unheard of. While some growers will continue to plant, others may opt to delay until rainfall has occurred, and adequate moisture exists.

Weather Data – May 29 – June 4, 2023

LocationYearHighest Temp (°C)Lowest Temp (°C)Rain (mm)Rain (mm) April 1stGDD 0C April 1stGDD 5C April 1stCHU May 1st
Harrow202332.110.40.076790476558
202231.18.62.7156792495679
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)25.312.112.7212882529769
Ridgetown202332.48.40.0126747442521
202231.54.92.8128737447617
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)24.311.011.4187816468706
London202332.39.60.0163745440522
202230.05.910.3151712432596
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)25.210.321.8204800456695
Brantford202333.09.20.0139725419501
202231.13.65.0129711420568
Welland202332.27.70.0133727416485
202229.17.326.6145755454610
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)24.79.719.2210799455688
Elora202330.37.80.0118660371455
202229.84.44.7125654376524
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)24.08.523.1203697366596
Mount Forest202330.18.50.0145661377461
202230.24.52.9132664392552
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)24.28.726.0188682359590
Peterborough202331.73.40.5142664363439
202230.93.514.1117665372552
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)24.77.724.9193711379612
Kemptville202333.63.60.0202700403465
202228.46.618.8241727415599
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)24.98.722.8192744414647
Earlton202332.66.30.0160552303432
202230.45.42.3113557313515
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)23.16.216.2157511264479
Sudbury202331.58.90.0198561313425
202226.86.23.7138557305489
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)23.28.014.7181569300519
Thunder Bay202330.53.53.7129458231375
202223.8-0.318.0298384169321
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)22.35.218.8162464205397
Fort Frances202331.09.510.6111593359547
202225.61.151.4298417203378
10 YR Avg. (2011-20)24.07.221.4150547271494
Report compiled by OMAFRA using Environment Canada data. Data quality is verified but accuracy is not guaranteed. Report supplied for general information purposes only. An expanded report is available at www.fieldcropnews.com.
Exeter Ag Breakfast Meeting Minutes

June 6, 2023

Conditions

  • Conditions remain very dry with little rainfall in the forecast, but soil moisture is holding up relatively well. Overall, corn and soybeans look good in the area and winter wheat is holding up. Further south on tobacco sand soil is dry down 6 inches. 

Corn

  • Corn stands are generally excellent, and the overall crop looks good. Pre-side dress nitrogen (PSNT) soil tests are now beginning. Initial results indicate below average mineralization, which is to be expected with dry conditions and cool nights last week. There could be a burst of mineralization once it rains.

Wheat

  • Wheat is coming into head. Although much of the crop is holding up well some fields are suffering from the lack of moisture. Yield losses have already occurred on the wheat crop due to dry conditions, but a thick canopy and good winter survival should help offset some of these yield losses. There is still a good crop out there in many places. There were reports of frost damage in a few wheat fields, but this was limited. Wheat streak mosaic virus and cereal leaf beetle pressure is present. The Seaforth area has higher levels of cereal leaf beetle. Scouting should be encouraged.
  • There was considerable discussion on the value of a T3 fungicide in such a dry year. Some spraying started this weekend. There is little fusarium risk at present. There is no dew in the mornings. However, there are additional “plant health” benefits to a fungicide that should be considered, and yield benefits can still be expected even in a dry year. Dry US states such as Kansas still see a yield bump. T3 fungicides should be focused on better looking wheat fields. 
  • Wheat streak mosaic virus and cereal leaf beetle pressure is present. The Seaforth area has higher levels of cereal leaf beetle. Scouting should be encouraged.

Weeds

  • With the dry conditions there was considerable discussion about weed control. Some soil applied herbicides did not receive adequate moisture for activation so there will no doubt be considerable re-spraying.
  • Weeds are getting “hardened off” from the dry conditions. Full rates of herbicides and high-water volumes are recommended. Do no skip on adjuvants this year. 2 modes of action should be considered. If spraying contact herbicides on soybeans such as Blazer wait until the first trifoliate has emerged to reduce crop injury. There is a prevalence of sow thistle, pigweed, ragweed, spreading atriplex etc. this year. One report was given of ragweed emerging from 2 inches below the soil surface where there was moisture. Focus on broadleaf weed control, grasses are easier to kill.

Soybeans

  • Many soybean fields in the area are in excellent shape. If there is sufficient moisture for adequate germination and emergence dry conditions can be positive for soybean seeding health. Under dry conditions soybean seedlings pick up less root rots and the roots go deeper. 
  • Soybean emergence ranges from excellent to very poor. With many fields it’s too early to know what the final plant stand will be since soybeans can emerge over a long period of time. Stands may be acceptable in most of a given field but poor on the dry knolls. If soybean seed is sitting in dry soil and has not imbibed sufficient moisture or “swollen” it can remain in the soil for over 6 weeks and will still germinate after a rain. However, if the seed is swollen but then dries it only has about 5 days before it will die without additional rain. Seedlings that emerge later will not be that much later to emerge in the fall. There is a 3 to 1 ratio of emergence to fall harvest maturity for soybeans. (For each 3-day delay in emergence there is only a one-day delay in maturity due to the photoperiod effect)
  • There have been reports of soybeans having poor vigour. Many fields have also been slow to emerge. This is especially the case for seed planted close to the rain on May 20. In some cases, there is little apparent soil crust on clay soils, but the seedlings are still “stuck” below the surface. Soils are “tight”. There are a few factors that have contributed to this apparent lack of soybean “push”. There were several cold nights, the May rain was relatively cool, but overall conditions have remained very dry. Under dry conditions cell elongation and therefore hypocotyl elongation is less than normal. These relatively dry conditions are the main factor which explains reduced elongation, less push, and slow soybean emergence this spring.

Edible Beans

  • About 80% of the edible bean crop has been planted. Some growers are waiting for a rain before planting because of low soil moisture. There is concern that some fields may have been seeded too deep in an attempt to put seed into moisture.
  • The Farm Safety Day 2023 is being held this Friday in Seaforth. https://www.huroncounty.ca/event/farm-safety-day-2023. This is their first in person meeting since COVID. Although registration is full for this event, please keep farm safety “top of mind” this growing season. This is part of the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Program www.progressiveag.org 

Agricorp

  • Agricorp has received “damage reports” on about 50 000 acres to date for spring seeded crops. This does not mean that all these acres will be reseeded. There are some corn issues but most of these reports are from poorly emerging soybean fields. These replant situations are primarily on clay soils but are not limited to one area. In most regions fields with a minimum of 100 000 plants per acre should not be replanted. Clay soils need more plants per acre to achieve a good yield. (120 000 plants per acre) Some frost damage on tomatoes and other crops have also been reported. Please be aware that dry conditions are NOT an insured peril for the unseeded acreage benefit. The corn planting date deadline is coming up quickly. June 10 for area D and June 15 for area A, B, C. The planting deadline for soybeans is June 20 and June 30 for soybeans respectively. See: https://www.agricorp.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/PI-FeatureSheet-SpringseededGandO-PlantingDeadlines-en.pdf
  • The deadline for the RMP program for 2023 has been extended to June 30th.
Kemptville Breakfast Meeting Minutes

June 6, 2023

Conditions

  • Scattered showers and thunderstorms across the region in the past week, but little significant rainfall.
  • High max (33 C) and low minimum (3 C) temperatures recorded this week.
  • 230-250 CHUs accumulated since last meeting. 440-550 since May 1st.
  • Smoke from wildfires has noticeable darkened skies and created air quality concerns for field work.

Corn

  • Most corn is at V2-V3, though some are slightly ahead or behind.
  • Side dress for corn is starting and many growers will be side dressing in the near future if they haven’t started already.
  • Variable stands are prevalent in a lot of corn fields, both size and staging in a row. Even plants right next to each other in the same row can vary greatly. This variability is happening in worked fields as well and could relate to delayed emergence or shallow planting depths.

Soybeans

  • Some of the April planted beans have survived, and are at V3 – otherwise, beans are generally at unifoliate stage.
  • Very few replants have been reported to Agricorp, all the reported replants are due to crusting.
  • There are a few thin stands around, with some people thickening them up. Some of the seeds in these thin stands germinated but then stalled and/or died. Cold rain and bad weather after planting reduced vigour, and some seeds germinated but then fired because of dry weather.

Winter Wheat

  • Winter wheat has headed out in almost all fields, with a lot of it being in the anthesis stages.
  • Fungicides are being applied. Most growers who were planning to spray have started or planning to start in the next few days.
  • The crop is somewhat short and there is some frost damage in the northern part of the region.
  • Winter wheat in most areas is not obviously suffering from dry weather yet, though it might be a bigger problem if it persists.

Spring Cereals

  • Spring wheat is not looking great in many areas. The crop is not uniform, short, and moving through stages too quickly. In many cases it is starting to tiller.
  • The spring wheat crop is hurting more in heavier ground than lighter soils – planting was late, so it was pushed into less than fit soils.

Forages

  • Some alfalfa will need to be reseeded due to the weather, and most alfalfa summer seeding will need to wait until better conditions.
  • Rye yields have been down this year, but quality has been average to good.
  • First cut has been average so far.
  • The dry weather will contribute to alfalfa weevil and leafhopper pressure if it continues.
  • Some hay was harvested a little bit moist in anticipation of the rain this week.

Weed Control

  • Sprayers have been out in many fields. Sow thistle has been problematic in some areas, not in any crop in particular. The early heat we’ve had could be a reason why it’s come on so heavy this year earlier than normal.
  • Foxtail and velvetleaf could also be a concern with this dry weather.
  • Residuals are still being applied in some areas, 1-2 mm of rain is enough for weed germination, but not for residual activation.

Agricorp Updates and Deadlines

  • Forage rainfall stations started recording on May 1st. You can check the website starting in the middle of June. It triggers at below 85% of the long-term average.
  • There is an Agricorp adjuster position open in Eastern Ontario. You can apply here by June 9th.
  • Important dates:
    • June 15th – corn planting
    • June 30th – soybean planting
    • June 30th – reporting acres

Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day is July 19th to 20th at the Winchester Research Station. https://eocdd.eastontcropconference.ca/

Northern Breakfast Meeting

June 6, 2023

Conditions

Hot and dry conditions across the Northern regions. Some reports of moisture stress and emergence issues with recent plantings.

Ontario Crops Research Centre – New Liskeard; University of Guelph presentation.

  • Research has been conducted on site for over 100 years!
  • Cover crop trial in 3rd yr. Progression from winter wheat (1st yr), cover crop (2nd) and now corn in the 3rd yr.
    •  Also incorporating different tillage treatments: biological tillage (with radish), strip tillage and no till
    • Plant counts and biomass harvest
  • Three Sisters trial; learning from indigenous practices
    • Sunflowers, squash and beans grown on mounds. May incorporate corn into the system as well.
    • Surveying to see what pests and diseases are present
  • Drone aerial broadcast trial with oats
  • Field tours and Grand Opening planned this summer – more info to follow

Storing forages

  • Hot and dry conditions during harvest and storage are a fire risk
  • Moisture recorded in hay can be in the 25-45% range a few days after first cut. This is the danger zone for spontaneous combustion. Be diligent and check for signs of heating daily
District Updates

Thunderbay

  • Seeding almost done but lack of moisture for emergence
  • Alfalfa is doing very well compared to other crops
  • Most corn not at V1 stage yet, but most advancement in plastic mulch planted corn

Algoma

  • 70-80% of seeding done. Some growers are holding off until rains come.
  • Corn recorded at V1 stage

New Liskeard

  • Most seeding is completed, and some growers are planning applications
  • Oats at gs22; tillered quickly after heat
  • Some of winter wheat plots (at OCRC) showed slight powdery mildew but not a significant pressure
  • Some delayed emergence of spring canola due to dry conditions

Cochrane

  • Seeding is done but generally dry
  • Air quality conditions discussed with wild fires close by

Manitoulin Island

  • Seeded 95% completed
  • Crop stages:
    • Corn recorded at V2- V3 stage
    • Soybeans at V2
    • Winter wheat starting to head
    • Cereals 2-4 leaf stage
    • Alfalfa not in bloom yet
Simcoe Breakfast Meeting Minutes 2023-06-07 

Conditions 

  • No rainfall since May 20th where most areas received about 13 mm (5 – 20 mm range), except a narrow band between Dunnville and Niagara that received 25-35 mm 
  • Everywhere except the heavy textured soils, the crops look amazingly good considering the dry conditions.
  • Rain on heavy clays resulted in a crusted soil for crops planted prior to the rain.  Crusts are difficult to break however replanting into moisture in dry soils with dry forecast is also difficult.  Many replant decisions are dependent/waiting for moisture. With crop insurance corn planting deadline approaching it is important to note that dry soils are not an insurable peril for unplanted acres.
  • Soils in Haldimand and Niagara are more consolidated than normal, most likely due to lack of penetrating frost to break up clay. Soils with over-winter cover crops didn’t work up as well as usual, regardless of whether the crops had been killed in the fall or spring. Fields went from too wet to compacted within a day.  Sidewalll compaction is evident in many bean fields.
  • Lighter textured soils in Norfolk are drying out on top. More irrigation being done on vegetable crops early in the season. Some concerns about water quantity and irrigation ponds running dry too early

Corn 

  • For the most part, corn growth ranges from 2 to 6 leaf stage. Some side-dress nitrogen is being applied. Some discussion about the advantage of nitrogen stabilizers being used for side-dress. If 28% trenches aren’t closing, then nitrogen stabilizers would be beneficial.  https://fieldcropnews.com/2023/06/do-i-need-a-nitrogen-stabilizer-with-in-season-nitrogen-in-corn/
  • Side dress for corn is starting and many growers will be side dressing in the near future if they haven’t started already. 
  • Variable stands 17,000-22,000 ppa are prevalent in a lot of corn fields, but especially in heavy textured soils..

Soybeans 

  • Most soybeans range in growth from the unifoliate stage to still waiting to emerge.
  • Many thin stands being reported, but most are being left
  • Crusted soils where replanting will occur have dilemma.  Planting followed by a few mm of moisture will potentially result in another crust before beans emerge.  Replants would be easy if a gentle 1–2-inch rain would soak and soften soil to allow beans to emerge. The agricorp deadline for planting soybeans is June 30.
  • In some fields, seeds have germinated but then stalled and/or died. Cold rain and bad weather after planting reduced vigour, and some seeds germinated but then fired because of dry soils. 

Winter Wheat 

  • Wheat has headed and most of the T3 applications are finishing up today.  Approximately half the wheat fields had T3 fungicide applied. The crop is heading into the critical time as it enters the grain-fill period and would benefit from a timely rain. Moisture stress is evident on the lightest and heaviest textured soils.
  • There was considerable discussion on the value of a T3 fungicide in such a dry year. There is little fusarium risk at present. There is no dew in the mornings.  However, there are additional “plant health” benefits to a fungicide that should be considered, and yield benefits can still be expected even in a dry year. T3 fungicides should be focused on better looking wheat fields where yield potential is over 80 bu/ac

Forages 

Weed Control 

  • With the dry conditions there was considerable discussion about weed control.  Some soil applied herbicides did not receive adequate moisture for activation which will result in some re-spraying. Even though post applied herbicides did not receive enough rain for activation, there is still up to 70-80% control. 
  • Corn is more advance than it looks. Check labels and stage of corn (6 leaf corn is not the same as V6). Weather and moisture stress can affect crop safety of post emerge herbicides, therefore watch temperatures and crop staging.
  • Weeds are getting “hardened off” from the dry conditions. Full rates of herbicides and high-water volumes are recommended. Fields where there has been no herbicide applied may be tempted to apply just glyphosate. 2 or more modes of action are strongly recommended. There was discussion about the use of adjuvants/surfactants and when they should be used (more to come).
  • On heavy clay fields where corn will be replanted to soybeans and where Primextra has already been applied, the soybeans will be able to tolerate the atrazine
  • Field with significant water hemp in Haldimand will be studied this summer to track the emergence of new plants over the summer.

Agricorp updates and deadlines 

  • Important dates: 
  • June 15th – corn planting 
  • June 30th – soybean planting 
  • June 30th – reporting acres 

Norfolk Soil and Crop Compaction Day – August 3rd – Purdy Farm Hwy 59 just south of Hwy 3