Ontario Corn, Soybean Planting Near Complete Amid Variable Weather Conditions

Corn and soybean planting is near complete across much of Ontario, although growers continue to face variable weather conditions, creating both opportunities and challenges across regions, according to the Ontario Field Crop released Thursday.  

Frequent rain events have delayed planting in parts of eastern Ontario, particularly on heavier clays from Belleville to Kingston and Essex which had up to 3 inches of rain last week, halting soybean planting. Unfavourable weather has also continued to challenge spray operations across much of the province.  

Meanwhile, a hailstorm in the Beachburg area of Renfrew County caused significant damage, with an estimated 400 acres reseeded and extensive injury to hay, winter wheat, and pastures. Cooler nighttime temperatures in eastern Ontario have slowed crop development.  

In the southwest, heat and sunshine have finally encouraged more uniform crop emergence and growth. Crops across the north are 90% planted or more, and most are welcoming some rain after a dry spell.