Farmers crowded into the Palmerston Legion Wednesday recently for the annual Perth Production Day, hosted by the Perth County Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
Greg Stewart, OMAFRA Corn Specialist, started the day by discussing nitrogen management for corn. Stewart compared several application methods, but stressed that a spring application of nitrogen that is incorporated into the soil will maximize the amount of nitrogen available for the corn crop.
A presentation on Cruiser Maxx and Proseed seed treatments for cereals, presented by Rob McLaughlin of C&M Seeds, followed. Cruiser Maxx with Proseed seems to increase plant vigour while limiting seed borne fusarium diebacks. In a stressful year this can significantly increase spring cereal yields.
Ian McDonald of OMAFRA introduced smartphones, such as the Blackberry or iphone. Despite the potential of carrying an “office in your pocket”, very few farmers are currently using smartphones. McDonald demonstrated the ease of quickly identifying unknown weed species, checking the price of corn at your local elevator or geotaging locations of broken tile drains.
Peter Johnston, OMAFRA Wheat Specialist, Horst Bohner, OMAFRA Soybean Specialist and Rob Templeman of the Huron Research Station were dubbed ‘The Three Smarts’, and led a feisty open question period.
Topics ranged from planting densities to the theoretical benefits of corn fungicides.
Crop marketing, presented by Richard Vyn from Ridgetown College finished the day.
Vyn demonstrated the results of a marketing model that used historical price trends to indicate how and when could be the best time to sell a crop. Vyn’s research indicates that as marketing is very complex, having a flexible marketing strategy will help maximize profits.
The Perth County Soil and Crop Improvement Association is part of the Heartland Soil and Crop Improvement Association, which includes Perth, Huron, Waterloo and Wellington counties.
Heartland is part of the larger umbrella of the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).
OSCIA is a non-profit farm organization that aims to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices.
