Ontario Harvest Slowed by Wet Weather; Corn Lagging

Oct 24, 2025

Wet weather this week has put the brakes on harvest operations across much of Ontario, with more rain in the forecast expected to further delay fieldwork.

Despite the recent slowdown, farmers are nearing completion on the soybean harvest and winter wheat planting, while the corn harvest continues to advance only gradually.

The latest field observations from Grain Farmers of Ontario on Thursday pegged the provincial corn harvest at 11% complete as of Wednesday, well behind 20-30% done at this time last year. Yields so far have varied widely — from below average in drought-stressed areas to above average in those locations that experienced timely rains and good plant health.

Corn producers are being advised to monitor stalk integrity closely, as some fields are showing signs of breakdown following months of moisture stress. Strong winds on Sunday have taken the tops out of some hybrids that were drought stressed this year, the report added.

On the other hand, the soybean harvest has largely wrapped up under near-perfect weather conditions earlier in the season. An estimated 97% of the Ontario crop was in the bin as of Wednesday, basically on par with last year. As with corn, soy yields range from well below average to above average, depending heavily on local rainfall patterns.

Winter wheat planting is also nearly complete, with the crop off to a strong start. As of Wednesday, 98% of intended acres were reported planted, with many fields benefiting from timely post-planting rains. Most stands are reported to be at Growth Stage 14 — with four leaves unfolded. While some areas could use additional moisture, overall crop establishment has been positive, the report said.

Source : Syngenta.ca

Video: From Conventional to Regenerative: Will Groeneveld’s Journey Back to the Land

"You realize you've got a pretty finite number of years to do this. If you ever want to try something new, you better do it."

That mindset helped Will Groeneveld take a bold turn on his Alberta grain farm. A lifelong farmer, Will had never heard of regenerative agriculture until 2018, when he attended a seminar by Kevin Elmy that shifted his worldview. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a deep exploration of how biology—not just chemistry—shapes the health of our soils, crops and ecosystems.

In this video, Will candidly reflects on his family’s farming history, how the operation evolved from a traditional mixed farm to grain-only, and how the desire to improve the land pushed him to invite livestock back into the rotation—without owning a single cow.

Today, through creative partnerships and a commitment to the five principles of regenerative agriculture, Will is reintroducing diversity, building soil health and extending living roots in the ground for as much of the year as possible. Whether it’s through intercropping, zero tillage (which he’s practiced since the 1980s) or managing forage for visiting cattle, Will’s approach is a testament to continuous learning and a willingness to challenge old norms.

Will is a participant in the Regenerative Agriculture Lab (RAL), a social innovation process bringing together producers, researchers, retailers and others to co-create a resilient regenerative agriculture system in Alberta. His story highlights both the potential and humility required to farm with nature, not against it.