Ontario Crop Update: Progress … Amid the Rain Delays

The story of the crop season in Ontario continues to be dominated by regular rain, confirmed the weekly update from the Grain Farmers of Ontario. Good planting progress is being made in some areas, but other areas remain overly wet. Winter wheat is developing rapidly.

Corn

Planting progress has slowed due to rain delays, with 60 to 95% of corn acres planted, depending on geography. Corn has emerged within seven days in warm areas. Fields should be monitored for crusting after heavy rains. Some farmers are switching to soybeans due to the calendar.

Soybeans

Soybean planting is 25 to 40% complete. There are some discussions about switching to shorter-season varieties as planting moves into June. Soybeans planted earlier this month are in the cotyledons stage (VC).

Winter Wheat

Winter wheat is progressing ahead of normal in most areas. In the deep southwest, wheat has finished pollination, while other areas are in the boot stage with the flag leaf sheath opening. Treatment applications are ongoing as field conditions allow. Lodged wheat has been seen after heavy rains, which may be common this year due to rapid growth during the stem elongation stage.

Stripe rust has crossed into Ontario and is being identified in fields across southern regions, notes the GFO.