The season began with a wet April that supported early planting but May brought the coldest conditions in six years. This delayed growth and reduced plant stands, a key factor for high yields. July and August turned hot and dry, increasing stress on crops.
Heat has aided progress, and cooler nights have helped encourage pollination and grain fill. Still, rainfall is urgently needed, with large-scale rain unlikely without tropical storms.
Prinzen and Agostino current assessments suggest Ontario corn could average around 190 bushels per acre, similar to the dry 2022 season, while soybeans may fall below 50 bushels due to pod abortion, wilting plants, and pests such as spider mites and aphids. One positive outcome of this year’s weather is reduced disease pressure, with tar spot levels much lower than last year.
Final yields, will of course, have an impact on yield and commodity prices, so for farmers trying to decide when to book the price for their corn and soybeans, they can follow the tour each day on X (formerlyTwitter) with #ONYield25 for expert commentary, photos, insight and videos.
Two events will take place at the end of the tour where yield estimates will be shared, the first event will be held in Osgoode on August 21st, and the second event will be held on August 28th in Woodstock at Discovery Farm. There is no fee to attend, but there is limited seating, so registrations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Farmers who attend one of the events will earn a chance to win a Terralynx Muilti-Spectral Imagery prize package worth $2,500 and a chance to enter the yield contest for a chance to win a prize package worth $1,600, consisting of Maizex Seed and a complimentary subscription to Farms.com Risk Management.
The tour’s final events will feature industry experts. In Osgood, Dr. Peter H. Sikkema will present on problem weeds like water hemp and fleabane, alongside a demonstration with Holly Byker. In Woodstock, Shaun Casteel from Purdue University will share research on maximizing soybean yields with early planting and sulfur application.
At the events, a panel of farmers who have participated in the Kernal King benchmark contest through Maizex, will share their high-yield strategies, including higher planting populations, tissue testing, and targeted nutrient management.
The 2025 Great Ontario Yield Tour offers valuable insights for farmers to learn from other farmers about weather challenges, innovative practices, and to aim for stronger yields in the future.
Click here to register to attend a Great Ontario Yield Tour Event: and don’t forget to follow the tour on X with #ONYield25.
For daily information and updates on agriculture commodity marketing and price risk management for North American farmers, producers, and agribusiness visit things; Farms.com Risk Management Website to subscribe to the program.