Crop growth and conditions continue to be variable across Ontario, says the latest provincial field crop report for the week of June 20.
While crops look good in areas that were able to be planted either early or at the normal time and into decent soil conditions, other areas have been delayed significantly by continued rainfall, the report said. “Understandably, this has been a difficult time for those growers.”
However, there is optimism that most of the unseeded acreage will be planted this week with above normal air temperatures to speed up the drying of soil.
Corn:
Crop growth and conditions continue to be variable across the province. While the earliest planted corn is approaching canopy closure, there is significant acreage that was just planted this week. Side-dressing of nitrogen is being done to corn planted on the earlier side. Soil applied herbicide programs have largely worked well but may be coming to the end of their residual effectiveness, and there may be a new flush of seedling weeds.
Soybeans:
Planting has continued this week in areas where soil conditions have prevented earlier planting. Re-planting has also occurred where soil crusting has prevented good emergence. Soybeans that were planted during the first part of May are approaching canopy closure and are beyond the 3rd to 4th trifoliate stage of growth.
Dry beans:
Most of the dry bean acreage has been planted. Emergence has been variable, and poorer than normal due to soil crusting in some areas.
Cereals:
Winter wheat continues to be further advanced than normal with harvest expected to start within the next 10 days in the southwest. Despite the recent warm temperatures, yield potential looks excellent.
Winter barley has also matured more quickly than normal, and harvest has begun in the southwest. Lodging has been observed in areas affected by the mid-week storm front.
Spring cereals are also looking good with many fields just reaching the heading stages.
Winter canola:
Harvest is imminent with desiccation just beginning in parts of southern Ontario. This may offer an opportunity to double crop soybeans in those areas.
