Ontario Crops Show Mixed Progress This June
According to Ontario’s Field Crop News, in addition to weather-related delays, Ontario farmers are facing pest pressures across corn, soybeans, and wheat fields.
Soybeans are nearly fully planted on light, well-drained soils. However, heavy soils and rainy regions are still catching up. Cool temperatures in April and May have slowed seedling emergence—taking over four weeks instead of the typical two.
Despite thin stands in some fields, the Ontario’s Field Crop News team is advising growers not to rush into replanting unless necessary. Soybeans can compensate well if healthy plants remain. Replanting should use the same variety, and adjustments to maturity groups are only needed for delayed planting beyond mid-June in low heat-unit areas.
Weed challenges are emerging, especially herbicide resistant Canada fleabane. For best control, Liberty should be applied with AMS in warm, sunny conditions. Damage from seedcorn maggot and slugs has led to some replanting, especially in no-till fields near Lake Huron and Rothsay.
Corn planting is nearly complete across Ontario. While frost damaged some fields, the crop is recovering well due to the growing point still being underground. Most stands are acceptable though slightly lower than usual. Yellowing caused by cold conditions is fading as warmer temperatures arrive.
Early side-dress fertilizer applications have begun in the southwest. Growers using fall manure are encouraged to perform PSNT tests to assess nitrogen availability.
Wheat is progressing through the heading stage. The cooler end to May has helped time T3 fungicide applications for fusarium head blight. However, stripe rust is spreading across southwestern Ontario, requiring urgent fungicide applications in susceptible varieties. Cereal aphids have also been spotted, increasing the risk for barley yellow dwarf virus.
The Ontario’s Field Crop News teams says field scouting is essential as more fields enter high-risk stages for disease and pest threats.
For more information about the cereal aphid, stripe rust, and seedcorn maggot, please visit the Farms.com Field Guide Pest pages.
Photo Credit: