Ontario Crop Report: Corn Planting in High Gear

Ontario corn planting kicked into high gear around the middle of this week, with the province’s crop now an estimated 10-15% seeded, according to the first provincial crop report for the season, released on Thursday.
Meanwhile, very little soybean planting has occurred to date, although producers are expected to go full steam ahead as soon as field conditions allow.

Corn:
As of mid-week, planting estimates are in the 10-15% range of intended acreage. The cool, damp weather of the last two weeks has reduced planting progress. Producers have shown patience when soils were just not ready. The far southwest received rain last weekend which will delay planting on much of the heavier soils there and east end of north shore Lake Erie is also struggling to get started.

Planting really kicked into gear mid-week and will continue at a frenzied pace through the next week. Despite the emphasis on early planting date to capture the greatest yield potential, this is always with the caveat that soil conditions must be suitable. Soils that are not suitable for planting can result in significant loss of yield potential.

Cereals:
Cool weather over the last two weeks has kept disease levels low. Lush spring growth and forecasted temperatures are expected to increase disease development. Difference in planting date have resulted in varied growth stages and level of canopy closure. Spring cereal planting is almost complete with planting condition being very good. Acreage is down from last year but comparable with 2013 and 2014.