Corn and soybean planting is near complete across much of Ontario, although growers continue to face variable weather conditions, creating both opportunities and challenges across regions, according to the Ontario Field Crop released Thursday.
Frequent rain events have delayed planting in parts of eastern Ontario, particularly on heavier clays from Belleville to Kingston and Essex which had up to 3 inches of rain last week, halting soybean planting. Unfavourable weather has also continued to challenge spray operations across much of the province.
Meanwhile, a hailstorm in the Beachburg area of Renfrew County caused significant damage, with an estimated 400 acres reseeded and extensive injury to hay, winter wheat, and pastures. Cooler nighttime temperatures in eastern Ontario have slowed crop development.
In the southwest, heat and sunshine have finally encouraged more uniform crop emergence and growth. Crops across the north are 90% planted or more, and most are welcoming some rain after a dry spell.
Soybeans:
Soybean planting is nearly complete across much of Ontario, but clay soils in the southwest and eastern Ontario remain challenging, with an estimated 30–40% of soybeans yet to be planted in some pockets. Emergence has been slow in many areas, particularly in no-till and poorly drained fields, leading to some replants. Stands tend to be thinner than usual, with crusting and slug pressure noted in multiple regions. Earliest soybeans are at V2–V3 and approaching flowering.
Unexpected hail events have also triggered replanting in some fields.
Corn:
Corn planting is largely complete across the province, with estimates ranging from 95–98% planted. Early planted corn is at V5–V6 in southwestern Ontario, but variable emergence is common, especially in Eastern Ontario, where populations have been reduced due to cold injury and uneven germination. Some growers have switched to shorter season hybrids or moved acres to soybeans in wetter regions.
Edible Beans:
Most of the dry beans in the southwest are planted with a few fields left. About 50% of edible bean acres have been planted in eastern Ontario. White bean acreage has doubled over 2024 in the east, with increases also seen in cranberry and kidney beans. In contrast, adzuki bean acres have declined. Planting progress and emergence has been slower due to weather, and careful management will be key to maximizing yield potential.
Cereals:
Winter wheat is progressing across the province, with T3 fungicide applications wrapping up in the southwest and just beginning in eastern regions. Stripe rust is spreading in the southwest but is mostly aligned with fungicide timing. Virus pressure is notable in early planted fields, exacerbated by green bridge conditions. In Eastern Ontario, powdery mildew is more common than stripe rust.
