Crop Report – June 23, 2021

Figure 2. Thrips feed on individual plant cells leaving scars along the leaf veins. (Photo credit: Robert Moloney, Boyd’s Farm Supply)

It is proving to be another good insect year with several early season pests keeping everyone busy scouting to stay ahead of. Going into July and August, there are a few more pests that we need to keep watch for. Thrips continue to be spotted in soybeans, corn and wheat fields. There are several different […]

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Crop Report – June 16, 2021

Figure 2. Plants that are delayed in growth relative to their neighbours should also serve as red flags to dig and investigate.

Corn Stand Checkup Scouting corn between emergence and knee high provides a report card on seedbed preparation, planter operation and agronomic practices affecting early plant establishment and growth. Causes of issues can often be identified at this stage to make improvements for following years. Counting Plants For easy math, a common method of measuring population […]

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Crop Report – June 9, 2021

Figure 1. PLH feeding causes yellowing of leaf tips, called “hopperburn”, shown here in a new seeding of alfalfa. Photo credit: J. Lindeboom.

Corn Nitrogen Status Nitrogen mineralization is favoured by warm soil temperatures with adequate soil moisture and aeration. Excess moisture can slow mineralization or increase the potential for losses through denitrification (especially under warm conditions) or leaching. Spring of 2021 progressed similar to 2020. Sunshine and little rainfall resulted in great soil conditions through April and […]

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Crop Report – June 2, 2021

Figure 2. Land Rolling to conserve moisture.

Soybean Update                 The majority of the soybean crop was planted by May 20th. Although plant stands have generally been good, there are fields with poor emergence. Poor soybean stands can be caused by various issues such as insect or slug feeding, but this year the main problem […]

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Crop Report – May 26, 2021

Figure 1. Cereal rye left as over-winter cover crop is being harvested as high quality ryelage and will be followed with a crop of corn or soybeans immediately after harvest.

Conditions Some thunderstorms through Essex provided some moisture, but most areas of the province received less than 5 mm over the long weekend and conditions throughout the province remain dry. Temperatures have transitioned from colder than normal to summer-like, and double-digit night-time temperatures have helped newly planted crops to emerge quickly. Cereals Early planted wheat […]

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Crop Report – May 19, 2021

Figure 2. Land rolling can increase the risk of soil degradation in some conditions

Conditions Current weather patterns are generally expected to hold for the next week or so. This will allow for planting of corn and soybeans to be mostly complete by the last week of May, though many fields and farms will appreciate some rain soon, particularly in the far southwest (Figure 1). Significant precipitation is possible […]

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Crop Report – May 5, 2021

Figure 3. Canola in flower

Winter wheat Winter wheat fields in general continue to be exceptional across the province despite temperature fluctuations. Continued cool weather the past week has resulted in some frost injury, but it is not expected to have any yield impact. In southern counties, early planted wheat is approaching the flag leaf stage. Later planted fields are […]

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Crop Report – April 22, 2021

Figure 1. April 21, 2021: Snow on alfalfa established in 2020

Growing Conditions Temperatures have been warmer than average since early March, which has advanced crop development faster than normal. Forecasts predict a few days of cold weather (Figure 1.), snow and frost, followed by more normal temperatures for this time of year.                         Dry field conditions have been excellent […]

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