Cool and dry conditions have slowed grass development. Do not start grazing until the grass has the 3rd leaf emerged (a minimum of 7 to 10 cm) and then rotate quickly between paddocks. Management during the first round of rotational grazing can affect the productivity of the pasture for the rest of the summer; do […]
A few fields of soybeans were planted in the province last week. Field conditions were excellent. Little seeding progress is expected this week with cool and wet conditions. Weather permitting it’s expected that considerable acreage will be seeded in the first week of May. This would be ideal for maximum yield potential. When planting soybeans this early do […]
Nitrogen (N) dramatically increases the yield of grass stands, as well as forage protein levels. Optimum rates depend on the cost of N, anticipated value of the hay, thickness of stand, moisture conditions, and whether it is pasture or hay. Good grass stands with less than one-third legume, can generally benefit from at least 70 […]
Depending on the area, 10 to 60% of the corn crop has been planted. Provincially corn planting is estimated at 35%. Soil conditions remain dry and friable in most areas; the lack of soil moisture is an increasing concern and has forced deeper planting especially on light textured soils. Cold temperatures and rain/snow mix has […]
Co-Author: Scott Banks Winter cereals are moving forward slowly with the cool temperatures. Cold nights in low heat unit areas (-5oC) continued to stress the crop and show tip burn on leaves. A few more November acres have been targeted for replant with insufficient stand establishment to qualify for crop insurance. Manganese (Mn) deficiency is […]
Planting is 70 % complete in West – Central Ontario. Early April planted fields are in cotyledon to 1st leaf stage with good emergence. Timely rainfall received in most areas will help even emergence of later planted stands. Emergence is occurring in 10 to 14 days under cold soil temperature conditions. Pay attention to 1000 […]
There is nothing worse than having cattle to feed and then being caught off guard by low forage yields due to winter injury. If you have not already done so, walk alfalfa fields and dig some plants to assess for winterkill, heaving, frost damage and plant health. Watch for crown and root rots, brownish disclouration, […]
Synopsis: The majority of spring cereals crop have been planted. Acres of spring cereals is higher with good planting conditions, potential returns, lower input costs. Acres of seeded forage and nurse crops is 10-15% higher (Bill Brown). Emergence has been excellent. Advanced wheat wheat now pushing GS32-33, but in most fields, 1st node not visible. Corn […]
Included: Tillage, soil management, cold water imbibition, wheat, double crop soys, wild weeds, insects, other. Synopsis: DRY! Sugar beets planted shallow in late March still have not had enough rain for germination. Wind erosion has been a major issue this spring with more tillage and dry soils. Across this region 5 to 30% of the […]
As we gear up for the 2012 season we are again looking for participants in the Western Bean Cutworm Trap Network monitoring program. Of particular need is to have more traps in Elgin and Haldimand/Norfolk County. Information on the trap network can be found on the Canadian Corn Pest Coalition website. If you would like to […]
There is a significant increase in acres of new forage seedings. Many forage seedings are already in the ground. Ensure good seed-to-soil contact by preparing a firm seedbed. Forage inventories are exceptionally low for this time of year, with record high hay prices being reported. Frost Damaged Alfalfa: A considerable amount of alfalfa was damaged […]
Winter cereals responded immediately to warmer temperatures and showers over the weekend, regaining good green colour and growth. A few isolated acres in frost prone areas have been killed by frost (a first in my 27 years). Significant varietal differences in frost injury. Whether this will translate into yield differences remains to be seen. Advanced […]
Depending on the area, 5-30% of the corn crop has been planted. Soil conditions have been very good. Cool temperatures (especially at night) in the last week have slowed the emergence process. If drying trends continue growers are advised to be cautious with secondary tillage that is too aggressive (too deep, too many passes) and […]
A few “experimental” fields have been seeded. Although the long term Ontario data shows an average yield gain to early planting there are also increased risks. Over the last 3 years the yield loss associated with delayed planting has been 0.1 bu/ac/day after April 20th. The majority of soybeans should be planted in late April […]
Planting is 40% complete in the west-central region of Ontario. Early April seeded canola is 10-50% emerged. Cold temperatures with sub-zero nights has slowed emergence and delayed seeding.Soil conditions have been excellent for field work although windy and dry weather is resulting in rapid drying of soils. If soils are dry and loose, level and […]