Spring Crop Update

Hi All

Winter Wheat- We have been through all of the later planted fields that were on the bubble to replant this week. There are a few fields being torn up from lack of sufficient stands. Looks like some of those fields went backwards during the cold week. Also in the wheat I have been seeing the tops of the knolls killed off entirely. The deep frost and cold winds was very tough on those exposed knolls the past few weeks. In most fields the wheat emerged and was actively growing but the conditions were too harsh on it if it was exposed. Nitrogen applications are mostly finished up on the wheat and I am seeing minimal ruts through fields. I have begun to see the common winter annuals in the fields and just a few cotyledon weeds started . The interns are into the wheat for the first scout this week so you can be watching for your reports.

Spring Canola seeding has begun in a few areas. Please let us know your seeding dates when you plant so we can get in with traps early and monitor for swede midge.

Corn planting has begun in many areas. It is nice to see corn in the ground in April again. Moisture in the seed trench appears to be good at optimal depth in most areas. North America has seen an unprecedented planting pace. Many producers will be finished corn planting by the weekend.

Spring Cereals-planting continues. Good conditions and a fast seeding pace overall. Earliest seedings from mid-April are now emerged.

Soybeans It’s go time for soys. Remember for maximum yield potential seed as early as possible. With that comes a higher risk for white mould as the canopy closes in faster. Adjust your seeding rates accordingly depending on the history of the farm and the timeliness of your seeding. Also make sure that seed is getting into moisture in the trench- but not too deep. 1.5 inches is ideal. They should not be deeper than 2". Packing is ideal to conserve that soil moisture and level the field but if you are packing after please remember that packer can push the seed down further into the ground than you originally intended.

Lastly, I am excited to have a great group of summer interns in your fields this year. Kristen Williams is from a beef operation in Meaford and currently studying Ag at Guelph. Brendan Metzger is from a cash crop farm in the Floradale area and is also studying Ag. Becca Aljoe is from the Eugenia region and is very experienced with livestock. She recently graduated from Ridgetown with her Ag Diploma. And Jamie Reich of Alliston will be returning for her second summer with me as she has one year left at Guelph. They are a very bright group of students and I am looking forward to working with them.

From Deb and Steph, Be Safe