The Ontario soybean harvest is nearly complete, while corn has just passed the one-third mark, according to the latest Grain Farmers of Ontario field observations released on Thursday.
The provincewide corn harvest was estimated at 39% complete as of Nov. 5, while the soybean crop was 99% in the bin. Winter wheat stands continue to advance, now staged between GS 21 and 22, with crops developing one to two tillers.
Corn:
Corn harvest moistures are highly variable, ranging from 20% to 30%, depending on field conditions, the report said, with the variation linked to several factors, including drought stress, fertility differences, planting maturity, frost damage, and overall field management. With the arrival of cooler November weather, natural crop dry-down is expected to slow sharply and, in many areas, could stop entirely.
Farmers are being urged to monitor stalk strength as wet weather and continued cellular breakdown increase the risk of lodging, especially in drought-affected regions. Weakened stalks and heavier plant weight have heightened concerns about field losses if harvest is delayed.
Grain quality is also a growing concern, with reports of water pooling in upright corn ears leading to sprouting near the lower cob.
Soybeans:
The remaining unharvested soybean fields are likely to be taken off once the ground freezes, the report said.
