Crop Conditions
Cool temperatures with variable rainfall has slowed field drying. Some field work has started in the last few days where the conditions allowed. Nitrogen and sulphur applications are being made to the winter wheat crop, manure is being applied, and tillage operations are beginning. Corn planting has begun in the southwest of the province, but on a relatively small scale thus far. Little to no soybeans have been seeded to date.
Cereals
The majority of winter wheat stands continue to look good across most parts of the province. Acreage being terminated is lower than normal with less than 2,000 acres reported as damaged to Agricorp. The majority of damage reports have been due to snow mould. Snow mould has also been particularly bad in winter rye and triticale fields. Genetic and planting date differences are being observed with earlier planted fields showing more severe symptoms. Plants are coming back in affected areas of the field; however, winter wheat yield potential in those areas is expected to be lower. Winterkill has also been worse in Essex and Lambton than first expected due to cold temperatures and areas of the field being encased in ice, although still at low levels overall. Winter wheat fields that showed signs of fall manganese deficiency are also experiencing winterkill. Seed placed phosphorus is showing improved survival and growth, particularly on clay soils.
Overall, growth continues to be slow with fields in more north-central regions having just greened up over the last week. Fields in the most southern part of the province and in the southcentral regions are at or approaching GS 31 or first node. First pass nitrogen and sulphur applications have been made. Those that have not yet applied any nitrogen or sulphur are anticipated to make those applications over the coming days. All remaining fertilizer applications are anticipated to be single applications due to the growth stage of the crop and the anticipated split nitrogen application timing overlapping with corn and soybean planting.
Many wheat fields received a fall herbicide application. It is anticipated that this will simplify spring crop protection applications with growers needing to only focus on fungicide and PGR tank-mixes. Bluegrass species and other perennial grasses continue to be a challenge in wheat fields as weed species shift with soybean herbicide programs. Research done by Michigan State University’s Dr. Christy Sprague has shown that yield losses of up to 50% can occur from bluegrass competition in winter wheat. Plants smaller than 10 cm in height are easier to control. Early spring applications provide better control than fall applications. Both fall and early spring applications provide better control than late spring applications. Herbicide selection should be based on the species of blue grass present; however, pyroxsulam (Simplicity) has shown to provide the most consistent control across all bluegrass species. Contact Mike Cowbrough, OMAFA Weed Management Specialist to help identify bluegrass or other weed species present in your field.
Spring cereal planting has been spotty in most areas with few acres seeded to date. With improving field conditions, planting will resume. Winter wheat acres seeded with red clover are estimated to be down.
Winter Canola
While many fields are acceptable, others have significant areas of rotten plants caused by excess moisture, and some have injured crowns caused by cold temperatures (Figure 1 & 2). Canola is bolting in the southern counties, and in the early green-up stages in Eastern Ontario and northern parts of the growing region (e.g. Simcoe, Grey and Bruce counties). Nitrogen and sulphur should be applied as soon as fields are deemed acceptable, and prior to bolting.
Weeds are unlikely to compete with canola at this stage but if planning to double-crop soybeans, be mindful of the herbicide selection for broadleaf weed control. Quizalofop-p-ethyl (e.g. Assure II, Leopard, Marshall) for volunteer wheat control is safe to apply to canola at all growth stages.
Corn
Limited acres of corn have been planted in the southwest, while the rest of the province shows little to no progress thus far. If the weather stays good, overall corn acres are anticipated to be up. Some areas may shift more to soybeans due to economics. High performing corn hybrids in the more northern regions are in tight supply.
Termination of alfalfa stands prior to corn planting may be a challenge for some, particularly where it was dry last fall and the alfalfa may have a deep tap root. Two passes of glyphosate may be required. If tillage is part of the termination plan, use an implement that breaks the tap root. Damaged crowns may send up new stems if they are still getting water and nutrients from the tap root.
Soybeans
Soybean (including IP soybean) acres are generally expected to be stable. IP premiums are reported to be down with limited contracts still available. There have been discussions about sulphur on soybeans. There were some large responses to S noted in 2023 and 2024, often on sandy soils, and on early planted fields. Most fields have shown little to no response to S application. If growers are interested in testing the response to sulphur, 100 lbs/acre of AMS on sandy soils is recommended. ATS is not showing the same responses as AMS.
Edible Beans
Edible bean contracts are still available for whites and kidney beans. Growers that are looking to seed edible beans should ensure that herbicides previously applied to the field do not pose a risk to their class of edible beans. Soil texture and pH will play a role in herbicide injury on edible beans.
Forages
Forage stands survived the winter well. Winter triticale and rye are experiencing high levels of snow mould in some fields. Yield potential in affected areas is expected to be lower.
Stem counts should be done when alfalfa is at least 15 cm (6 in.) tall. Stands with at least 55 stems per square foot have full yield potential. If there are less than 40 stems per square foot, the yield potential is significantly reduced and the stand should be terminated. Alfalfa has a higher sulphur requirement than canola or cereals. Manure is a good source of sulphur, but on fields where manure has not been applied, aim for 6 kg S/ha per tonne of expected dry matter yield (5 lbs S/acre per US ton of DM).
Agricorp
See Agricorp website (HERE) for all crop insurance planting deadlines and replant benefit details.
- May 10th is the deadline to make changes, sign up for coverage or join the risk management program. Acreage reports should be made if acreage is being increased by more than 10% or acres are in different areas (i.e. some acreage in Norfolk and Manitoulin) to determine average yields.
- If you are taking fall rye for forages/greenfeed, please let Agricorp know as soon as possible so they can make appropriate changes on their end. Cereal rye for grain must be insured if farmers are participating in RMP (risk management programs).
- Red clover can be insured for uniform stands after wheat harvest.
Exeter
- Winter wheat overwintered well, except for some fields with heavy snow mould pressure or winterkill due to ice encasement. Winter wheat in the Hensall area is between GS 30 (stem elongation) and GS 31 (first node). Those that are planning to split their nitrogen applied their first application. Most nitrogen applied going forward will be a single application. Disease pressure is currently low.
- Spring tillers are emerging on plants in areas impacted by snow mould. Previous Ontario research suggests that spring tillers have less than 25% of yield potential of fall tillers so yield potential in those areas are expected to be lower.
- Corn acres are expected to be up in most areas with soybean acres expected to be stable. Some areas may see more soybeans planted due to less inputs being required.
- Soybeans on sandy soils have seen a response to sulphur applications. On sandy soils, 100 lbs of Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) is recommended. Responses from Ammonium Thiosulfate (ATS) have not been the same as AMS.
- Edible bean contracts are still available for whites and kidney beans. Ensure you are reading the herbicide labels prior to planting edible beans to ensure there are no carry over risks.
- Winter canola survival has been good with smaller plants also surviving the winter.
- When mixing ATS with herbicides, applicators are reminded to do a jar test to ensure products are compatible.
- Agricorp has received damaged reports on less than 2,000 acres of winter wheat. Most damage reports are related to snow mould.
Winchester
Cereal
- Little N or S has been applied to date, but many with plans for the next couple days.
- Much of the crop survived the winter well, but some was damaged extensively in the fall by geese.
- Early spring damage is minimal and is mostly water ponding or geese.
- Herbicide application timing will also be critical this year. Many perennial weeds are growing rapidly, despite ongoing cool weather.
- 50 acres of spring cereals were planted this weekend, otherwise nothing planted yet.
Forages
- Most survived the winter well.
- Several older stands planned to be terminated after first cut this year and seeded into beans.
- Lots of older stands to be terminated early in the spring or were done late fall.
- Feed quality was quite variable this year, most commonly due to frequent rainfalls and/or aging stands.
- Seeing lots of snow mould in the fall rye stands, but most believe it should grow out of it. It’s not isolated to only the fence rows/headlands.
Corn
- Corn acres believed to be up close to 20% from last year. Many acres got switched to beans with the delayed planting last spring, so much of it has been switched back to corn.
- Locally, non-GMO acres are down significantly. Local processors have significantly reduced contracts for the 2025 year, causing fewer options for delivery.
- Tar spot is coming to the area, but initial infections will likely be low to start. Scouting will be key.
Soybeans
- None have been planted, no concerns on seed availability.
Weed Control
- High populations of perennials are already present in fields; fleabane, rosettes are quite large.
- No supply concerns about herbicides/availability.
- Some questions about tank mixing options – talk to your agronomist if you have questions or visit https://cropprotectionhub.omafra.gov.on.ca/
Fertilizer Outlook
- Most fertilizer is in place.
- There 3 boats waiting near Hamilton and 2 in the St Lawrence. All are still waiting to unload.
- Urea Ammonium Nitrate (UAN) will be tight this year, with fewer vessels coming from Europe. UAN is already in short supply in the US.
- Many efforts still being put forward to secure fertilizer for fall in Ontario. Tariffs are creating some concerns around availability and sourcing of product.
- There are also some concerns about tariffs in crop protection products going forward, as many ingredients are sourced in China.
Simcoe
General
- Generally, a good winter with more snow than the past few winters. Unlike areas more to the north, snow didn’t last long enough in fields to cause significant snow mould. Fields that had winter cover from late-seeded rye cover crop had significantly less soil erosion than bare fields.
- Good early season conditions have more corn planned for this season while impacts of increased input prices due to tariffs will probably result in more soybeans for 2026.
- Tillage on the lighter soils has started and a few acres of spring cereals, early grain corn, and sweet corn under plastic have been seeded. If forecast rains don’t materialize, there will be significant acres planted in the next week.
- Manure application is in full swing. Taking a manure sample during application will help determine available nutrients.
Cereals
- Winter cereals have come through the winter with very little winter injury and are uniform with good tillering. There is some damage in a few fields due to prolonged ponding from heavy rains in early April.
- Most (over 85%) of the nitrogen and sulphur have been applied to wheat. Weed control will likely begin next week with onset of warmer temperatures. Much of the wheat is at growth stage 30-31 and will receive growth regulators. Significant weed control was done last fall. Disease pressure is low due to cool and relatively dry conditions. Red clover spread last month has germinated.
Canola
- Winter canola suffered more winter damage than winter cereals. Fields that were planted in late August, but seeds remained in dry soils until October didn’t have enough growth going into winter.
Forages
- Alfalfa has broken dormancy and looks uniform with very little winter damage.
- Lots of older stands to be terminated early in the spring or were done late fall. Good fall conditions resulted in very good root reserves which will make volunteer alfalfa difficult to kill in standing corn.
- Cereal rye or triticale fields look amazing. Fertilizer applications are completed and harvest is expected to occur mid-May. Most of these fields are planned for corn post-harvest. Although some areas apply significantly more nitrogen, 60 lbs of N for forage cereal rye and triticale was recommended on the heavier soils to prevent N losses and reduce risk of nitrate poisoning from forage.
Corn
- Opportunities for April corn in this area have not existed in the past few years. A lot of field work is happening yesterday and today with hopes of significant acres being planted in the next week.
Weed Control
- High populations of perennials and annual grasses are already present in fields; fleabane, rosettes are quite small, but the root systems are large.
- No supply concerns about herbicides/availability.
Fertilizer Outlook
- Tariffs are creating some concerns around availability and sourcing of product, but most is in place for this spring and expectations that next year’s prices will be more impacted by tariffs.
- Most fertilizer is in place for this season.
OMAFA Weather Summary: Thurs April 17—Wed April 23, 2025
| Location | Highest Temp (°C) | Lowest Temp (°C) | Rain for Week (mm) | Rain Since April 1st (mm) | GDD0C April 1st | GDD5C April 1st |
| HARROW | ||||||
| 2025 | 24.3 | -1.5 | 4.1 | 71.9 | 172 | 79 |
| 2024 | 21.3 | -1.1 | 19.7 | 78.8 | 234 | 114 |
| 2023 | 20.6 | 0.4 | 5.9 | 26.9 | 226 | 119 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 15.2 | 1.9 | 23.0 | 64.4 | 163 | 51 |
| RIDGETOWN | ||||||
| 2025 | 22.9 | -3.9 | 4.5 | 60.7 | 160 | 70 |
| 2024 | 16.7 | -1.7 | 16.8 | 82.9 | 209 | 93 |
| 2023 | 19.8 | -1.1 | 12.8 | 77.2 | 212 | 114 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 14.7 | 1.0 | 17.1 | 56.9 | 141 | 34 |
| SARNIA | ||||||
| 2025 | 24.1 | -4.1 | 16.2 | 105.4 | 149 | 64 |
| 2024 | 18.8 | -0.6 | 12.9 | 64.6 | 205 | 94 |
| 2023 | 18.6 | 0.7 | 12.2 | 73.3 | 219 | 118 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 14.5 | 0.9 | 19.5 | 62.0 | 133 | 27 |
| LONDON | ||||||
| 2025 | 22.9 | -4.4 | 4.8 | 89.4 | 144 | 61 |
| 2024 | 15.5 | -1.0 | 16.0 | 75.7 | 200 | 84 |
| 2023 | 20.1 | 0.0 | 38.2 | 106.4 | 208 | 110 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 14.6 | 0.8 | 20.7 | 69.1 | 131 | 27 |
| BRANTFORD | ||||||
| 2025 | 21.7 | -4.8 | 10.6 | 95.3 | 137 | 55 |
| 2024 | 15.1 | -2.5 | 21.7 | 66.6 | 186 | 73 |
| 2023 | 22.5 | 0.2 | 26.7 | 90.2 | 200 | 102 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 14.6 | 0.3 | 30.4 | 77.9 | 118 | 18 |
| WELLAND | ||||||
| 2025 | 21.0 | -3.4 | 4.0 | 46.1 | 139 | 52 |
| 2024 | 16.9 | -0.8 | 14.8 | 102.5 | 208 | 92 |
| 2023 | 23.7 | 1.3 | 14.8 | 73.9 | 206 | 104 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 14.6 | 0.7 | 19.3 | 73.4 | 134 | 29 |
| GODERICH | ||||||
| 2025 | 22.4 | -6.1 | 6.6 | 76.5 | 126 | 49 |
| 2024 | 14.4 | -1.2 | 26.4 | 76.6 | 173 | 65 |
| 2023 | 16.7 | -0.3 | 13.0 | 47.7 | 190 | 99 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 13.3 | 0.0 | 18.5 | 57.9 | 107 | 12 |
| ELORA | ||||||
| 2025 | 20.1 | -5.2 | 11.0 | 82.4 | 112 | 40 |
| 2024 | 13.6 | -3.6 | 14.9 | 69.5 | 156 | 51 |
| 2023 | 20.6 | -2.0 | 33.6 | 67.6 | 181 | 92 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 13.0 | -1.0 | 21.2 | 73.0 | 98 | 7 |
| MOUNT FOREST | ||||||
| 2025 | 19.2 | -5.9 | 7.0 | 80.5 | 108 | 40 |
| 2024 | 13.2 | -2.5 | 16.7 | 97.9 | 151 | 49 |
| 2023 | 17.3 | -3.0 | 28.8 | 81.3 | 180 | 94 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 12.3 | -1.0 | 19.5 | 63.5 | 86 | 3 |
| BARRIE | ||||||
| 2025 | 17.2 | -2.0 | 20.8 | 72.2 | 89 | 23 |
| 2024 | 14.1 | -2.4 | 28.7 | 155.6 | 144 | 41 |
| 2023 | 18.5 | -1.6 | 34.3 | 81.8 | 170 | 84 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 12.4 | -2.2 | 19.3 | 62.7 | 83 | 3 |
| PETERBOROUGH | ||||||
| 2025 | 21.1 | -3.9 | 27.5 | 68.6 | 103 | 27 |
| 2024 | 16.8 | -4.2 | 13.4 | 106.0 | 162 | 54 |
| 2023 | 23.4 | -0.1 | 22.3 | 65.4 | 188 | 94 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 13.4 | -1.8 | 17.4 | 63.3 | 101 | 9 |
| KEMPTVILLE | ||||||
| 2025 | 21.5 | -2.2 | 19.6 | 76.4 | 110 | 31 |
| 2024 | 18.7 | -3.5 | 14.0 | 97.6 | 160 | 54 |
| 2023 | 26.0 | -1.0 | 11.7 | 90.9 | 187 | 100 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 13.2 | -0.8 | 19.2 | 72.4 | 105 | 15 |
| SUDBURY | ||||||
| 2025 | 14.1 | -6.2 | 12.0 | 30.8 | 49 | 3 |
| 2024 | 12.3 | -6.8 | 41.2 | 142.8 | 106 | 21 |
| 2023 | 10.0 | -5.7 | 21.6 | 71.2 | 94 | 42 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 8.3 | -3.3 | 15.0 | 64.5 | 33 | 0 |
| EARLTON | ||||||
| 2025 | 11.9 | -8.3 | 16.0 | 35.6 | 29 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13.4 | -7.8 | 17.9 | 117.8 | 94 | 17 |
| 2023 | 10.5 | -4.9 | 42.5 | 60.5 | 83 | 31 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 7.9 | -4.2 | 16.4 | 49.1 | 16 | 0 |
| SAULT STE MARIE | ||||||
| 2025 | 14.6 | -6.7 | 43.4 | 67.5 | 58 | 10 |
| 2024 | 15.8 | -4.1 | 39.8 | 94.1 | 119 | 23 |
| 2023 | 11.2 | -2.7 | 21.4 | 65.2 | 102 | 45 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 8.7 | -3.4 | 18.5 | 64.1 | 30 | 0 |
| THUNDER BAY | ||||||
| 2025 | 10.8 | -5.5 | 21.2 | 53.2 | 33 | 0 |
| 2024 | 19.3 | -4.4 | 29.0 | 39.3 | 93 | 15 |
| 2023 | 6.2 | -7.9 | 14.9 | 49.6 | 55 | 18 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 10.9 | -5.3 | 14.5 | 38.3 | 29 | 0 |
| FORT FRANCES | ||||||
| 2025 | 15.6 | -5.2 | 13.5 | 41.1 | 57 | 5 |
| 2024 | 18.6 | -3.4 | 9.8 | 15.6 | 91 | 10 |
| 2023 | 8.7 | -10.6 | 14.5 | 35.4 | 60 | 23 |
| 10 YR Norm (2011-2020) | 11.0 | -4.8 | 10.8 | 31.9 | 38 | 0 |
This weather summary is compiled by OMAFA using Environment Canada weather station data provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Data quality is verified but accuracy is not guaranteed and should be used for general information purposes only. For additional locations and weather analysis, visit the OMAFA Pest and Weather System (PAWS)