Ontario Field Crop Report

Oct 21, 2014

Weed Control

Below: A soybean field in Huron county infested with glyphosate resistant Canada fleabane

What do we do to stop this weed from taking over?

fleabane in soybean field

If you traveled in southern Ontario this growing season it has not been hard to spot significant patches of Canada fleabane in soybean fields. Unfortunately there are 12 counties in Ontario with populations of this weed that are resistant to glyphosate. To make matters worse the seed is highly mobile with a dispersal pattern similar to dandelion. How are we going to manage this? Below is a game plan wheat, soybean and corn based on the most recent Ontario research. If you're thinking "Geez Mike, another article on fleabane, give it a rest", until photos like the above are in the minority I'll keep writing about it.

QUICK BIOLOGY FACTS: Recent research by Eric Tozzi and Rene Van Acker at the University of Guelph have shown that the majority of Canada fleabane plants germinate from mid August to mid November while a second germination window occurs from mid May to mid June (Figure 2). Fall emerging plants will rosette before overwintering, whereas spring germinated plants typically by-pass the formation of a rosette and go straight to bolting. Spring germinated plants will flower earlier than fall germinated plants. Seed can germinate in soils as low as 8 degrees Celsius but prefers soil temperatures at 14-15 degrees Celsius.

emergence graph

Winter Wheat: Control fall germinated rosettes either pre-plant or pre wheat emergence with Eragon + Merge (glyphosate can be tank-mixed when applied pre-plant). In the spring, if fleabane rosettes have overwintered or spring seedlings have germinated then post-emergent applications of either 2,4-D Ester, Infinity or dichlorprop/2,4-D have all provided good control of Canada fleabane.

Soybeans: Pre-plant control of this weed is critical since there is only one post-emergent herbicide option (FirstRate) and its control can be variable. The addition of either Eragon + Merge, Integrity + Merge, Amitrol 240, Broadstrike RC or 2,4D Ester to glyphosate has provided good control of Canada fleabane.

Corn: Banvel II, Marksman and Distinct have been the most consistent herbicides at controlling heavy populations. Pardner + Aatrex 480, Peak Plus and Callisto + Aatrex 480 can provide control/suppression but have been less consistent. Most primary tillage operations ahead of planting corn will do a good job of eliminate seedling plants.

Cover crops: The use of cover crops, especially after wheat harvest will significantly reduce seed production of emerged plants and inhibit new seeds from germinating.

Weather Summary

(source: www.weatherinnovations.com/weathersummary.cfm)

Source: OMAFRA

Video: Will the 2025 USDA December Crop Report Be a Market Mover/Surprise?

Historically, the USDA December crop report is a non-event or another dud report as the USDA reserves any final supply changes to the final report in January of the following year in this case 2026. But after the longest U.S. government shutdown in history at 43 days and no October crop report will they provide more data/surprise and make an exception?
Our China U.S. soybean purchase tracker is now at 26.6% or a total of 3.2 mmt but for traders it’s taking too long to unfold.
The final Stats Canada production report was bearish canola and wheat projection a record crop in both (it adds to the global glut of supplies) and bullish local corn and soybean prices in Ontario/Quebec thanks to a drought. It will not help the fund flow short-term, the USDA may need to offset it?
A U.S. Fed interest rate cut of another 25-basis point next Wednesday (probability 87.1%) could help fund flow and sentiment in stock and ag commodities into year end.
More inflows into Bitcoin this past week saw prices rebound back above 90,000 with support at 82,000 and resistance at 96,000.
A V-shaped bottom in cattle suggest the lows are in after Mexico reported another new world screwworm case. Lower weights, seasonal demand and higher U.S. beef select/choice values with a continued closure of the Mexican border to cattle will result in a resumption of higher cattle futures into yearend.
Australia is expected to produce its 3rd largest wheat crop ever at 36 mmt adding to the global glut of supplies.
Reports of ASF in hogs in Spain the largest pork exporter in Europe could see the U.S. win more pork export business long-term.
If the rains verify into next week of 3-5 inches for Brazil it would go a long way to fixing the dry regions from the last 2-months, but the European weather model has been wrong for the past 2-months!
Natural gas futures are surging to the 3rd price count as frigid hold temps set in.
CDN $ is also surging to end the week on a very resilient economy and better employment numbers suggesting no interest rate cuts next week.
Finally, the CFTC report showed funds were net buyers of soybeans but sellers of corn, canola and wheat. In real time the funds have gone back to selling as they take some profits.