Managing stressed Ontario corn soybeans and wheat
As reported on the OMAFRA website FieldCropNews.com, unusually dry weather has left many Ontario corn, soybean, and wheat fields severely moisture stressed depending on farm location in the province.. These conditions are reducing grain yields, forage availability, and overall crop health across the province.
Corn:
Moisture-stressed corn is struggling to pollinate, with some fields showing poor kernel set and low grain potential. In extreme cases, plants may not even reach tasseling. Such fields may be salvaged as silage, but farmers must evaluate pollination success and test forage quality. High nitrate levels are a major concern, particularly if rain arrives after drought, which can increase silo gas risks. Proper harvest moisture and fermentation are essential to ensure safe, usable feed.
Soybeans:
Soybean fields are also under drought pressure. Reduced rainfall has slowed pod development and lowered yield potential. Heat stress and limited soil moisture are compounding risks, with some fields showing premature leaf yellowing. Farmers should monitor closely for emerging pests and diseases that thrive under stressed conditions, including soybean aphids and sudden death syndrome.
Wheat:
For wheat, the season’s weather has created uneven crop development. While earlier-planted fields may have fared better, later fields have struggled under dry conditions. Harvest timing and grain quality remain a concern, with some fields showing signs of reduced test weight and shriveled kernels. Weed and disease pressure, though generally lower in dry years, can still appear as weather shifts.
Farmers are urged to forage test stressed corn before feeding, confirm crop protection label restrictions, and notify Agricorp if insured acres are harvested differently than planned. Strip grazing, silage fermentation, and nitrate testing are essential to safeguard both livestock and human health.
For information on corn and soybean estimates in Ontario, read Corn and Soybean Crops Fall Short in 2025 Predicts Great Ontario Yield Tour