Crop Conditions – Week of June 6, 2024

Crop Report – June 6, 2024

Field Conditions

Significant planting progress has been made in many areas across the province over the last two weeks. Some growers were able to wrap up their corn, soybean and edible bean planting and apply their T3 fungicide applications in wheat. However, those on heavier soils or those who have received persistent rainfall, have not been able to finish planting or in some cases even start.

Corn

Corn planting is estimated to be 95% complete across the province, although this number is estimated to be much lower on heavier soils or areas with persistent rainfall.  Corn populations have been reported as being good; however, there are some fields that are sporadic due to crusting on the soil surface. There are also some fields showing signs of sidewall compaction and uneven stands due to less-than-ideal conditions at planting. Overall, there have been few corn replants to date.

For the most part, growers continue to make timely herbicide applications. Sidedressing is yet to begin but growers are encouraged to conduct a Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT) to get an estimate of the amount of nitrogen available.   

Early fungicide applications are not warranted for tar spot in corn and application timing needs to occur close to the onset of the epidemic. This can vary from year-to-year and by location. It is best to use scouting and/or decision support tools like the Field Prophet app to make informed decisions. In most years, a fungicide application will not be needed prior to the VT/R1 growth stage, even in years when tar spot has been yield limiting.

Soybeans

Generally, soybean plant stands have been good but planting progress continues to be variable across the province with some areas being up to 90% complete while others on heavier soils are less than 30% complete. There have been some replanted acres reported to date, particularly in those fields that were planted in less-than-ideal soil conditions with more anticipated poor emergence soil conditions due to soil surface crusting. There have also been reports of Group 14 herbicide damage (Images 1 and 2), as well as seed corn maggot and slug feeding in some fields.

Image 1. Group 14 herbicide (e.g. sulfentrazone – Authority) injury to an emerging cotyledon on the right, causing necrosis (browning). Risk of this injury increases when a soybean’s hypocotyl absorbs more herbicide due to either a heavy rainfall occurring as soybeans knuckle through the ground, or soil crusting that prevents emergence and increases the duration of the hypocotyl exposure to herbicide residue in the soil.

Image 2. Group 14 herbicide injury caused by flumioxazin (Valtera). A heavy rainfall occurred as soybeans were emerging, increasing herbicide uptake by the cotyledon and causing significant necrosis of the main stem, resulting in re-growth at the axillary buds.

Those intending to plant winter wheat this fall but have not yet seeded their soybeans should consider switching to shorter season soybean varieties. Switching to a variety that is half a maturity group less should be sufficient to allow for timely winter wheat seeding. If winter wheat is not being seeded this fall, there is no need to switch to shorter season varieties until the end of June. If soybean planting continues to be delayed until June 10th the seeding rate should be increased by 10%.

Growers who were unable to apply a preemergence herbicide in IP soybeans have limited options, some of which, like imazethapyr (Pursuit) will have rotational crop restrictions. It will be important to flag these fields for future crop planning, so that a sensitive crop is not planted during a herbicide’s plant back interval. Pesticide applicators are encouraged to continue their use of best practices to prevent off target drift. A new resource at www.bedriftaware.ca serves as a repository for best practices.

Some growers who were not able to roll their beans prior to emergence are looking to roll after emergence. Ontario research has shown that rolling soybeans at the first trifoliate resulted in an average yield increase of 1 bu/ac, likely from better harvestability. If rolling soybeans after emergence they must be at least at the unifoliate stage and no more than 3rd trifoliate. Ideally, aim for the 1st trifoliate. Rolling should only be done with a smooth roller and completed on a warm afternoon when plants are more flexible. Damage can still occur, particularly along the tractor tires but generally does not impact yields.

Cereals

Winter wheat continues to progress ahead of normal and yield potential continues to remain strong. With cooler nighttime temperatures, the grain fill period is expected to be long providing an opportunity for excellent yield potential. Much of the winter wheat crop has flowered with the latest fields expected to flower this week.

Compared to previous years many fields received a T3 fungicide application for the protection against fusarium head blight and DON. Many growers applied a T3 fungicide to also protect against stripe rust which has also been recently reported in Durham and into eastern Ontario. Stripe rust has been very field specific and growers are encouraged to continue to monitor those fields. Varieties differ in tolerance to stripe rust and new races of the fungal pathogen are constantly developing. Stripe rust samples are being collected and sent to USDA in Washington State for race typing. This will help determine the effectiveness of stripe rust resistance genes and plan for future variety development. Although many fields received a T3 application, many of the applications were delayed due to persistent wet conditions during the application window. While not within the ideal application window, research through the U.S. Scab Initiative has demonstrated that applications made as late as 5 to 7 days after flowering still resulted in a reduction in DON and greater protection against leaf diseases compared to early applications (heading).

Cereal leaf beetle (CLB) and true armyworm (TAW) have been reported in areas in southern and eastern Ontario. For the most part, thresholds continue to be low; however, some fields in Sombra, Petrolia, Arva/Thorndale and Seaforth areas have reached or passed thresholds and have required control. Winter and spring cereals should continue to be monitored closely. More information on CLB and TAW thresholds and control options can be found here.

With the warm daytime and cold nighttime temperatures, some fields progressed quickly through the heading stages resulting in head snag (figure 3). Some winter wheat varieties are more prone to head snag than others, but the yield impact should be minimal. There have also been reports of some winter wheat and winter barley fields lodging.

Image 3. Head snag in winter wheat caused by fluctuating temperatures and wheat progressing quickly through heading. Photo courtesy of Sarah Fretz, Cribit Seeds.

Forages

First cut alfalfa has begun, but most of it has not yet flowered. Alfalfa weevil continues to be challenging in fields in southern Ontario. Some fields have reached threshold and have required control. In eastern Ontario, new seeding stands are at threshold for potato leafhoppers and will need control. Established fields at threshold can likely be managed with cutting. More information on alfalfa pests can be found on Ontario CropIPM. Despite challenges in some alfalfa fields, forage yields to date have been well above average with some growers reporting first cut yields are 50% above their average.

Edible Beans

Significant progress has been made on edible bean planting along with pre-emergence herbicide application. Edible bean planting is anticipated to be completed over the coming weeks. With the recent rainfall growers should watch for crusting and be prepared to address it.

Canola

Winter canola bloom is complete, and the crop is looking healthy overall. Specialists continue to monitor pest pressure (e.g., blister beetles). Spring canola seeding is complete across Northern Ontario.

Grub Injury in Some Crops

Grub injury is starting to be found in corn and forage stands this week. Given the extended planting season following a mild winter, grub larvae have been actively feeding longer than usual. Though most of these larvae will be done feeding soon to pupate and become adults, it is very important to identify which species and stage of larvae are present in the field to better understand their life cycle and crop protection needs for this fall or following spring. Annual grubs like European chafer and Japanese beetle lay their eggs in late summer which leads to small first instar larvae feeding in these fields on any fall seeded crops. June beetle grubs, on the other hand, have a three-year life cycle. If larvae are in their second year, feeding will continue all season and later planted spring crops like soybeans or perennial crops risk seeing injury. If the larvae are in their third year already, feeding will be finished soon and focus needs to be on plans for which crop are intended to be planted in those fields this fall or next spring to ensure there is protection on the seed, where possible, to avoid crop loss. More information on grubs can be found on Ontario CropIPM.

Agricorp

Agricorp is receiving requests from customers to replant, especially in Lambton County.  As of June 4, there were calls about a potential 16,000 acres to be replanted for soybeans.

For Production Insurance coverage, crop planting deadlines are June 15th for corn, and June 30th for soybeans. Agricorp asks customers to contact us by June 15 if they think they will have unseeded acreage. The deadline for reporting actual acres of spring-seeded grains and oilseeds or new forages is June 30th. The unseeded acreage coverage provides one-third of a farm’s average farm yield if a crop is not planted by the planting deadline. Growers are encouraged to report acres as soon as possible to avoid busy times at the deadline.

Mental Health Resources for Agriculture Community

Given the challenging spring planting conditions, the agriculture community is encouraged to reach out to your neighbours, friends and family to check in on them and their well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling, please consider reaching out to any of the following resources:

  • Farmer Wellness Initiative which provides access to mental health support 365/24/7 in both English and French at 1-888-267-6255.
  • Connexontario (English) (French) provides service information for people experiencing problems with mental health, gambling, drugs or alcohol. Helpful, supportive system navigation specialists answer all calls (1-866-531-2600), email or web chat requests 24/7, the service is free and confidential.
  • In The Know is a mental health literacy program for farmers and the agricultural community. For more information contact the Program Coordinator, Rebecca Posthumus at rposthumus@ontario.cmha.ca or call Toll Free: 1-800-875-6213.

Breakfast meeting minutes

Exeter

Soybeans

  • Generally, soybean plant stands have been good but planting progress continues to be variable across the province with some areas being up to 90% complete while others on heavier soils are less than 30% complete.
  • There have been replants required due to slug damage, group 14 herbicide damage, seed corn maggot feeding.
  • Those soybeans that were planted earlier and in more ideal soil conditions have emerged better than later planted fields.
  • Those intending to plant winter wheat this fall but have not yet seeded their soybeans should consider switching to shorter season soybean varieties. Switching to a variety that is half a maturity group less should be sufficient to allow for timely winter wheat seeding. If winter wheat is not being seeded this fall, there is no need to switch to shorter season varieties until the end of June. For those considering double crop soybeans after winter wheat must go to shorter season soybeans.
  • If soybean planting continues to be delayed until June 10th, the seeding rate should be increased by 10%.
  • Temperature inversions are something to be aware of when making herbicide applications.
  • Some growers who were not able to roll their beans prior to emergence are looking to roll after emergence. Ontario research has shown that rolling soybeans at the first trifoliate resulted in an average yield increase of 1 bu/ac, likely from better harvestability. If rolling soybeans after emergence they must be at least at the unifoliate stage and no more than 3rd trifoliate. Ideally, aim for the 1st trifoliate. Rolling should only be done with a smooth roller and completed on a warm afternoon when plants are more flexible. Damage can still occur, particularly along the tractor tires but generally does not impact yields.

Corn

  • Corn planted is 98% complete. Overall corn emergence has been good with very little replants to date. There have been some reports of sidewall compaction and uneven stands.
  • It is anticipated that with the open winter and early spring that mineralization has kicked in and more N may be available in the soil; however, there is likely some leaching going on. A PSNT will tell you what is available and provide more information on how much N should be added. 
  • For every 1 inch of rain on sand it will leach nitrogen by 6 inches. The same one-inch rainfall on clay will have little impact on nitrogen leaching.
  • There have been some questions about early fungicides on corn for control of tar spot. At this point it is far too early for any fungicide applications. The high rate of glyphosate in fall on wheat stubble that is going into corn will control bluegrass.

Wheat

  • T3 fungicide application uptake has been higher this year. However, many of those T3 applications were applied sightly late due to the rainfall. Many growers are wanted to protect against fusarium head blight and stripe rust.
  • Stripe rust continues to be a challenge in those fields that have not yet received a fungicide application. A T3 applied 5 to 7 days after anthesis will still provide protection against DON and stripe rust. Spring wheat fields should be monitored for stripe rust as well.
  • There were questions about T3 applications when temperatures were as cold as 3C but there are not concerns with T3 applications at that temperature.
  • Cereal leaf beetle reached thresholds in some fields in Lambton County and required control. Armyworm larvae has also been reported at low levels. Winter wheat and spring cereals should continue to be monitored.
  • There have been some reports of lodging and with upcoming storms more is anticipated.
  • Right now the wheat crop is taking up ¼ inch of water per day. On some sharp sands there are some leaves burning up due to a lack of water.

Canola

  • Canola cannot be planted for 22 months after a Pursuit application is made. Canola cannot be planted for 18 months after Reflex is sprayed.

Forages

  • Alfalfa weevil fields that were sprayed were glad they did as the recent rainfall has kept them from being able to cut.
  • Huge hay crops have been reported with some growers reporting yields that are more than 50% above their average. 

Agricorp

  • Replants starting to gain a bit of traction with 21,000 acres of soybean damage reports. 80% of those are coming out of Lambton. 
  • The deadline to report unseeded acres is June 15th. The unseeded acreage benefit provides one-third of a farms average farm yield if a crop is not planted by the planting deadline.
Winchester
  • Winter wheat is either flowering or almost done flowering across eastern Ontario this week.
  • Armyworm and cereal leaf beetle thresholds remain low.
  • Stripe rust has moved east of Toronto and has now reached eastern Ontario. [N(9] 
  • There are reports of head snag on some winter wheat, believed to be a result of the speed at which the winter wheat headed out.
  • Corn is not quite 100% planted, particularly in Prescott/Russell areas.
  • There are approximately 1100 acres of corn replant reported to date, mostly due to large rainfall immediately after planting, and some of it from surface crusting.
  • Corn populations are good, with some fields a little more sporadic if the soil surface crusted.
  • Sidedress N has not started yet, but many growers are getting corn post-emergence herbicide sprayed in a timely fashion.
  • Black cutworm was in peak flight mid-May, so if there was any corn cutting damage, they should be in peak cutting window right now. Numbers were low in May, so damage is anticipated to be low.
  • It’s estimated there are ~1500 acres of soybean replants reported, with an expectation there may be a few more due to soil surface crusting.
  • Many soybeans are planted but the fields that are still unplanted are mostly the fields that are typically wetter or have poorer drainage, so they need several consecutive days of warm weather to see fields fit enough to plant.
  • Some first cut alfalfa has been done, but the majority of the alfalfa has not flowered yet. The grasses are mature and headed out, so a very small amount of grass dry hay has been cut.
  • Some soybeans are intended to be planted after first cut.
  • Lots of new seeding stands are at threshold for potato leaf hoppers and will need some control. Established fields at threshold can likely be managed with cutting.
  • Agricorp deadlines:
    • June 15th – corn
    • June 30th – soybeans
    • June 15th – unseeded acre benefit
  • Local markets are reporting lots of old crop inventory and prices for futures are trending down.
Simcoe

Weather

Small areas between Smithville, Camden and Fenwick received about over 3 inches of rain with a prolonged period of marble sized hail.  Damage is evident in fruit crops and wheat but minimal in corn and soybeans. Forecast risk of frost was mostly averted except in a few low-lying areas. An area near Ancaster, Linden and Troy received 4.5 inches in one weekend with a 9-inch total over a two-week period.  Washouts, gullies and ponding damage are significant.  Recent rainfall has resulted in the need for some replants. There is a difference between crusted soil where a rotary hoe can make a difference versus consolidated soil where a rotary hoe won’t penetrate but going in with planter coulters may help.

Cereals

It has been a European type of year for wheat and currently the yield potential looks great. Stripe rust is common in fields across the area with varying pressure depending on wheat variety.  Stripe rust is an issue in those years when the disease is able to establish early and move into the lower great plain states such as Oklahoma and Kansas. Older wheat varieties have less tolerance while varieties such as R40, Blaze, Bronson and W38 are all showing tolerance.

Some growers waiting for heading saw wheat maturity advance 5 days in one day.  Most of the wheat got sprayed with a T3 fungicide, but mostly a bit late, i.e.,3 days late for ideal fusarium control. Growers are wondering about the prognosis for fusarium/DON control. The weather that comes now will influence disease pressure. Fungicide applications always provide suppression, just a question of how much.

New fungicides are improved and give a winder window of control, which improves fusarium control in fields with variable maturity between main heads and tillers. The latest research suggests producers may see more visual fusarium but will have better DON control since much the visual fusarium are small, shriveled kernels that get blown out the back of the combine. If it’s a DON year, elevators will be DON testing and not worry about fusarium visual assessment. Since elevators have the testers, it may be worthwhile to get wheat tested before harvest to time harvest for wetter grade 2 vs later grade 4.

Some growers that are interested in double cropping soybeans after wheat harvest choose not to apply T3 fungicide to avoid extending wheat maturity. The risk is significant yield loss due to stripe rust in fields with susceptible varieties. to the focus should be on managing one crop where there is already a lot of inputs invested before getting excited about a second crop.

Corn / Soybeans / Weed Control

Planting is about 80% complete and although much of the peninsula looks better than usual there are some fields that are struggling to emerge. The forecast rain may help some plants emerge. Some corn fields will be replanted to soybeans where herbicides haven’t been applied. In fields where most of the nitrogen has already been applied, soybeans will still be okay, but may not nodulate or nodules will not function until the field runs out of nitrogen. 

Frequent rain has also resulted in delayed herbicide applications and many fields have significant weed pressure. Some fields have missed residual herbicide applications. 

Some growers are impatient to give herbicides time to metabolize and show weed control and are going in with other products. Bigger weeds, particularly thistles, take longer to control. Some have been impatient with big weeds and have opted to use a high-speed disc for weed control. It is cheaper to kill weeds with chemistry than expensive tillage equipment, especially considering the investment cost of big equipment that only provides 85% control. More than one mode of action is required for large weeds (i.e. fleabane). Water volume and surfactants are also important. Zidua-SC, a group 15 post emergent herbicide in the extend system has some residual activity and may cause some early drawstring injury, but soybeans will grow out of the injury. It also prevents bluegrass emergence in fall in fields going into wheat. 

Forages

Cereal forages with fall manure application and spring applied nitrogen had tremendous growth and yields but, in some fields, also had significant lodging.  These forages could have high nitrate levels and could lead to nitrate poisoning when fed. Feed testing is recommended and where levels are high forages should be blended with lower quality forage.

Weather Summary – Thursday May 30 – Wednesday June 5, 2024

LocationHighest Temp (°C)Lowest Temp (°C)Rain for Week (mm)Rain Since April 1st (mm)GDD0C April 1stGDD5C April 1stCHU May 1st
HARROW       
202428.66.215.8198.0947620741
202332.110.00.074.7800486578
202231.18.62.7156.1791495663
10 YR Norm (11-20)25.111.511.3202.7795467651
RIDGETOWN       
202427.43.322.3242.1883560693
202332.48.30.0121.4757452539
202231.54.92.8128.1736447607
10 YR Norm (11-20)24.39.714.5178.3736411599
SARNIA       
202429.84.611.8181.3865544653
202330.98.50.0118.4725420476
202231.57.21.2110.5723440564
10 YR Norm (11-20)23.99.316.6178.0700378550
LONDON       
202427.94.331.5220.2871545690
202332.39.60.0152.0757452543
202230.05.910.3148.0712432592
10 YR Norm (11-20)23.29.519.5189.0721401592
BRANTFORD       
202428.23.819.7178.6823503656
202333.09.50.0122.2737431522
202231.13.65.0128.8711420567
WELLAND       
202429.65.74.0188.5868544697
202332.27.20.0114.7735424501
202229.17.326.6145.2754454605
10 YR Norm (11-20)23.39.921.2197.1722400585
GODERICH       
202427.52.415.0174.3770453579
202329.79.00.0100.9672384469
202227.94.01.099.3671393536
10 YR Norm (11-20)21.48.87.1149.6628316482
ELORA       
202427.74.45.2175.9754441602
202330.37.80.0104.1672381473
202229.84.44.7124.5654376523
10 YR Norm (11-20)21.77.421.0187.6625317502
MOUNT FOREST       
202428.02.52.4213.2746436594
202330.18.50.0136.6674388480
202230.24.52.9131.8664392546
10 YR Norm (11-20)21.27.516.7170.9611310496
BARRIE       
202427.23.30.7280.7714404580
202330.76.00.0140.3650359457
202230.55.718.7113.4638356519
10 YR Norm (11-20)22.17.122.7174.4593295483
PETERBOROUGH       
202427.82.43.0185.9739425590
202331.73.40.5131.1673371454
202230.93.514.1117.2664372543
10 YR Norm (11-20)22.67.022.7176.4640330520
KEMPTVILLE       
202430.75.30.0204.1789476657
202333.63.60.3188.3708411479
202228.46.618.8239.6724415586
10 YR Norm (11-20)23.78.122.3181.3668360549
SUDBURY       
202430.00.525.9269.8634346533
202331.58.90.0183.9580327447
202226.86.23.7137.8557305479
10 YR Norm (11-20)22.05.220.5170.7501252433
EARLTON       
202431.11.09.4206.0622342538
202332.66.30.0155.7568314449
202230.45.42.3113.2557313502
10 YR Norm (11-20)21.44.319.4146.9449223404
SAULT STE MARIE       
202425.02.210.3214.0600300455
202331.99.10.2107.9579323441
202225.54.12.1184.7455206331
10 YR Norm (11-20)21.34.216.1162.9439192346
THUNDER BAY       
202424.40.214.3158.4505226376
202330.54.33.7128.5476243397
202223.8-0.318.0297.9384169321
10 YR Norm (11-20)21.42.619.7152.2406169333
FORT FRANCES       
202429.03.523.8171.5546257433
202331.09.510.6110.6614375571
202225.61.151.4297.9417203378
10 YR Norm (11-20)23.24.422.0133.6482226418
Weather Summary compiled by OMAFRA 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.