Hot Dry Weather Stresses Ontario Crops

Corn soybeans and wheat face challenges from heat and pests

According to Ontario’s FieldCropNewscom, several areas across the province have seen very little effective rainfall since early June. This prolonged hot and dry weather is causing stress to corn, soybeans, and wheat, impacting growth and increasing vulnerability to pests. 

Corn is showing slower growth in dry zones, with some fields displaying drought stress signs.  

Farmers are advised to monitor for true armyworm activity, especially as cereal crops begin to mature. 

Soybeans are also affected, particularly in regions experiencing high temperatures and lack of moisture. Due to difficulty in storing soybeans as forage, they are not recommended for emergency forage plans advises the FieldCropNews.com team. 

Wheat nearing or past harvest is leaving fields open for fall forage options. For those seeking to replenish forage, seeding oats after wheat harvest or fall rye after soybeans may offer early spring options suggests FieldCropNews.com team. 

Meanwhile, forage and pasture management is critical. Producers should scout alfalfa for potato leafhopper and act if thresholds are exceeded. Cutting alfalfa during drought is not advised unless growth is sufficient. Red clover and birdsfoot trefoil should not be cut during drought as it thins stands. 

To help farmers manage during this period, Agricorp has extended the deadline to apply for coverage to July 31, 2025, and AgriStability compensation rates have increased for 2025. Interim payments and AgriInvest can support farm cash flow. Farmers are encouraged to report crop damage early and separately by crop to ensure timely assistance. 

For more information about the true armyworm, please visit the Farms.com Field Guide Pest pages. 

For more information about the potato leafhopper, please visit the Farms.com Field Guide Pest pages. 

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