This year’s Field Crop News Q&As covers a wide range of frequently asked agronomy questions with thoughtful, concise, and research-backed answers from our team of experts. Download a copy of the 2026 Field Crop News Q&As document today: Topics: […]
Vast amounts of nitrogen (N) exist in our soils in many different forms, but only nitrate (NO3–) and ammonium (NH4+) can be taken up via the plant roots. Most of the nitrogen in the soil is in the organic form, which much be broken down by micro-organisms to become plant available. Mineralization is the process […]
Variable weather has led to short windows for field work across the province. Most areas have had at least a few days to spread fertilizer and manure and begin tillage and planting. Manure applications are being strategically planned to reduce some rates of starter or broadcast fertilizer. Very windy days across the province this week have emphasized soil […]
Weather conditions: Seasonal temperatures and relatively good drying conditions allowed fieldwork to begin in some regions. Nitrogen application on wheat, fertilizer applications and tillage on lighter soils, and planting of spring cereals, new forage seedings and even corn all began as soil conditions permitted. Manure application, some from storages near capacity, was evident by smell […]
Before I jump into the pest alert, I want to welcome John Fluttert, the new Edible Bean and Oilseed Specialist on the Field Crop Team based at Ridgetown. He is getting his feet wet pretty quickly, managing calls about cabbage seedpod weevil (CSPW) infestations in winter canola fields in Essex and Chatham Kent. Despite the […]
Cool temperatures with persistent rainfall have slowed field drying which has resulted in little field work completed to date. Very few winter cereals outside of the deep south have received an application of nitrogen and sulphur but are expected to receive an application before the weekend. Manure applications and tillage operations are slowly beginning where the conditions allow. Very little corn and no soybeans have been seeded to date. Cereals The majority of winter […]
With Canada’s National Soil Conservation Week underway (April 20-26, 2026), now is an ideal time to take stock of your soil before planting begins. How did your fields handle the spring melt? Did they stand up to the heavy rains earlier this month? One of the best tools you have is your own observation. Get […]
Spring has returned following a cold, snowy winter; however, weather conditions through March and early April remains cooler than normal, and soils continue to be wet and cool in many areas. As a result, meaningful field activity has been minimal to date across the province. Ontario field crop producers are entering the 2026 growing season […]
In December 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA) released the Ontario Topsoil Sampling Project: Soil Health Baseline Study (OTSP) report. This report sets out baseline information for indicators of soil health in Ontario. The study provides valuable insights into how land management and environmental factors affect topsoil, helping farmers make informed decisions to […]
Soil health is the foundation of productive and sustainable agriculture. For farmers, accurate soil information is more than just data. Having access to accurate soil information is essential for making informed decisions about crop selection, farm management, and land stewardship. With better access to reliable soil data, farmers can improve productivity, reduce input costs, and […]
Farmers know their land better than anyone. They see it up-close, every day, and understand their farm with a level of detail that can only be provided with hands-on experience. To augment hands-on knowledge and ensure long-term agricultural success, a broader scope of agricultural information can be accessed using AgMaps. AgMaps is a free, online, […]
The 2025 Ontario corn hybrid DON screening trial report is now available under the corn section of GoCrops.ca (or also available HERE). Ontario corn hybrid DON screening trials were initiated by the Ontario Corn Committee in 2019 following high DON levels in the 2018 corn crop. Hybrid susceptibility is one of the greatest factors influencing […]
Frost seeding is a popular way to renovate an existing forage stand and is most effective in fields where patches of bare soil at least the size of a loonie are visible. With spring around the corner, many producers have questions about how to best use this technique to improve their hay fields and pastures. […]
Herbicide‑Resistant Weed Testing Results (2025) See the latest results for herbicide‑resistant weed testing in Ontario, including distribution maps and resistance summaries. Read the Full Article […]
In this new series we will be exploring a wide range of topics on tillage within Cropping Systems including some new concepts like tillage’s role in the management of “The Soil Habitat”, new ways to talk about tillage categories, and the notion of the “5R’s of Tillage”. we will also explore the experiences of farmers […]