I’m working on an early warning system for producers, which will be able to identify diseases before they are visible in the field. Below is a video that the University of Guelph SPARK (Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge) put that nicely summarizes the project. […]
There are many different diseases which are caused by various fungal pathogens that affect cereals in Ontario. The foliar diseases (powdery mildew, leaf rust, Septoria leaf spot, Septoria (Stagonospora) glume blotch and tan spot) and Fuarium Head Blight (FHB) can cause significant yield losses if not managed correctly. Although these diseases occur in all […]
by Doug Young, University of Guelph – Ridgetown Campus Monday April 23, 2012 was a reminder that wind erosion can be a serious issue in Ontario (photo 1). Soils are most vulnerable to wind erosion when they are bare or when crops are newly emerged. Photo 1: Wind erosion south of Ridgetown ON, April 23, […]
There have been some reports of alfalfa weevil causing damage in some stands and I was out this week to have a look at some fields. The weevils are certainly out there. Considering that some alfalfa fields are hurting from frost damage, some produces may consider holding off on the first cut to let the […]
Highlights: Planting progress on clay soils, crop germination and emergence, forage management, cutworm scouting, wheat staging and herbicide/fungicide application, problem weeds, While corn planting is essentially completed in many areas north of 401, to the south and into the Niagara area corn progress well over half to finishing up on the lighter soils and emergence […]
Farmers are full of optimism. Corn and soybean prices hit unprecedented highs in 2011. Although there has been some volatility in the markets, many farmers are responding to high anticipated prices by again increasing their intended acres of corn and soybeans. It’s no secret that there was a loss of forage acreage last year, but […]
Once canola starts to emerge, start scouting for flea beetles. Flea beetles are now very active and present in emerged canola. Canola will emerge quickly with forecast temperatures in high teens for the next week. Flea beetle damage is most severe the first two weeks after canola after canola seedling emergence. At the 3-4 leaf stage […]
The majority of growers, crop consultants and researchers will tell you that it is always better to manage dandelions in the fall then in the spring. Fall management simply is more effective. The photo below clearly illustrates this point. The outside rounds of this field were managed last fall and there is an obvious difference […]
High quality forage is essential to dairy profitability. The benchmark for “high producing dairy cow” quality alfalfa haylage has been considered to be 20% Crude Protein (CP), 30% Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), and 40% Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF). Many nutritionists consider NDF to be the primary quality variable to target when harvesting dairy alfalfa haylage. Determining Optimum […]
Synopsis: Rainfall across the region last week ranged from a trace amount to 75-100 mm down pour in Orangeville-Arthur area. Corn planting ranges from over 90% complete in Huron, Perth counties to 20% on heavy clay and poorly drained soils in areas like Niagara,Peel or Dufferin county. Very little herbicide/fungicide has been applied to wheat […]
Anticipated yields and maturity of the forage crop is extremely variable across the province. Many alfalfa fields are yellow with dandelions, indicating weak stands and reduced yields. On closer examination by digging plants, many of these fields are experiencing crown and root rots, including brown root rot (www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/field/news/croptalk/2007/ct-1107a9.htm). Risk factors that contributed to weak alfalfa […]
Included: Wheat staging and spraying limitations, cover crop selector, alfalfa management strategies, insect update, weed control concerns Synopsis: Rainfall late last week until yesterday ranged from ¾” to 3” (20 to 75mm) slowing planting and putting others out of the field until at least the weekend. Corn planting ranges from 70% to over 95% complete: […]
Planting progress has been slow over the last week although a few areas did make headway. Less than 10% of the crop has been planted to date. Soil potassium levels have slipped in Ontario with estimates that up to 20% of Ontario fields may be below ideal levels for soybeans. Applying potassium in the spring […]
Warm temperatures and showers will result in rapid growth during the next few weeks. First rotation management will set the stage for remainder of the season. Leaving 7-10 cm of grass after grazing will allow for rapid regrowth and the development of a strong stand. Grass based pastures will respond to an early June nitrogen […]
Corn planting ranges from 50 to 95% complete; provincially corn planting is estimated at 80%. In most areas rainfall has not been intense and soils remain in good shape despite large acreages without significant residue cover. Corn requires about 180 CHU to emerge. Corn planted April 16-20 is emerging this week. Most reports suggest that […]