Ontario crops face mixed spring conditions

Rain wind and cool nights delay soybean and corn progress

According to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Field Crop News, variable spring weather has created mixed crop conditions across the province. Rain, wind, and cool nighttime temperatures have delayed planting, slowed growth, and limited spraying windows for corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Corn planting is nearly finished, with estimates at 95-98% complete. Early-planted corn in southwestern Ontario has reached the V5-V6 stage, while cooler eastern areas show reduced populations and uneven emergence due to cold injury. Some growers have switched to shorter-season hybrids or soybeans in wetter zones. Side-dressing has begun, with increased use of nitrogen stabilizers to manage nutrient loss.

Soybean planting is about 80-90% complete, although pockets of heavy clay soils remain unplanted due to recent rain. Stands are thinner in many regions due to crusting, cold stress, and slug damage. Replants are underway in fields affected by hail or cool, wet conditions.

Earliest soybeans have reached the V2-V3 stage and are nearing flowering. Pest pressure, including slugs and seedcorn maggots, is increasing in no-till and poorly drained fields.

Winter wheat is progressing well, though T3 fungicide timing varies by region. In southwestern Ontario, stripe rust is appearing and aligning with fungicide application windows.

Eastern Ontario is reporting powdery mildew and signs of nutrient issues due to variable dry fertilizer spread patterns. Virus concerns are notable in early-planted wheat, where the green bridge effect may be a factor.

Weed control remains a challenge due to reduced spray days. Lambsquarters, pigweed, ragweed, and waterhemp are rapidly emerging. Palmer Amaranth identification is critical, and waterhemp-based programs show effective control.

Check out the Farms.com Field Guide for information about pests such as slugs and seedcorn maggots, diseases such as stripe rust, or weeds such as lambsquarters, pigweed, ragweed, waterhemp and palmer amaranth.  The field Guide also includes resources such as biocontrols.