A weekly report prepared by the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF) and the Ministry of Rural Affairs (MRA). If you require further information, regarding this report, call the Elora Resource Centre at 519-846-0941. Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For technical information, call the Agricultural Information Contact Centre at 1-877-424-1300 or visit the OMAF website: www.ontario.ca/omaf and/or the MRA website: www.ontario.ca/mra
SEED BAG RECYCLING
CleanFarms is operating a pilot program in select regions of Southwestern Ontario to collect and safely dispose of empty seed and pesticide bags. This pilot is part of the agricultural industry’s commitment to responsible management of its products throughout their entire lifecycle and will help determine the feasibility of a permanent program. The program runs from May until September 2014. They will accept empty seed-bags: multi-walled paper and polywoven plastic. If a producer is unsure whether their bag is included in the program, they can call CleanFarms at 1-877-622-4460 ext. 2227. A complete list of Ontario collection sites can be viewed at http://cleanfarms.ca/programs_pilot_seedbag.
ONTARIO FIELD CROP REPORT
Wheat fields continue to struggle from winterkill and slow growth (in the tillering stage) in the lower heat unit regions to the north. Nitrogen applications continue in this area as field conditions allow. In the southwest, nitrogen application is complete, and advanced wheat has entered the rapid growth stage. The growing point has started moving up in the plant (GS 30-31). This is at least 10 days behind the normal stage of the wheat crop for this calendar date. Weed control is now critical, as weeds present at GS 30 can reduce yields. Annual weeds have germinated in these warmer regions, with ragweed, smartweed, wild buckwheat etc. all being reported, many at high levels. With thin stands, this is not a good year to forgo weed control. Winter annuals have already bolted, making control of these weeds extremely difficult. Do not wait on underseeded clover staging for weed control: clover is tolerant to registered herbicides at all early stages of growth.
Spring cereal planting has struggled to get underway in earnest with cool, wet conditions. Frost seeded cereals are at the 2 leaf stage. As the calendar moves later, remember that 6-row barley tolerates late seeding better than the other spring cereals.
Assessment cannot wait until after the corn is planted, since dealing with winterkilled forage stands may alter the crop rotation significantly. Refer to “Check Alfalfa Stands This Spring and Make a Plan” http://fieldcropNews.com/?p=5845
The best option is often to replace the winterkilled stand by seeding a new forage stand in a new field in the crop rotation. Corn following the winterkilled alfalfa can take advantage of the nitrogen credit and 10 to 15% rotational yield benefit. Direct ly seed, or use a companion forage crop, such as cereals or cereal-pea mixtures. Some farmers attempt to repair large patches by no-tilling in red clover or Italian ryegrass. These species are difficult to dry for hay, but can make quality haylage. If an alfalfa stand is uniformly thin or weakened but the grass content is good, an application of nitrogen can significantly increase yields and protein. Do not interseed alfalfa into an established alfalfa stand due to autotoxicity and disease risks.
There is very little canola planted to date, but it can still have optimum yields. Yield will depend on the temperature at flowering. Swede midge risk is higher so monitor the crop every three days after emergence and implement best management practices. All canola should be scouted regularly for flea beetle. Harvest of late planted canola may experience delays due to fall weather increasing the risk of shatter. Late harvesting will delay the winter wheat planting.
Soybean planting has been delayed this spring but should not be considered late. The middle of May has generally been one of the best times to seed soybeans. There is no reason to consider switching to shorter day varieties. As much as 25 per cent of Ontario fields are now below minimal levels for potassium to achieve maximum economic yields. Applying potassium in the spring before planting will increase yields. A number of Ontario studies over the last few years have shown that broadcast P and K (phosphorus and potassium) provide up to 5 bu/ac more in low testing fields. The response was similar to banding fertilizer through the planter compared to broadcast. Any field with less than 100 ppm soil test K will suffer, especially in dry years. Liquid starter fertilizer can also be used but generally increases yield only by two to three bu/ac in low testing fields. There is little response to any form of fertilizer in fields with sufficient soil test values.
Glyphosate burndowns should be applied five to seven days before planting to ensure adequate translocation into perennial weeds. If annual weeds are the target, a three-day pre-plant interval is adequate.
Corn planting has been very slow. Switching away from full season hybrids should be not be considered until May 15 in short season areas (less than 2800 CHU), May 20 to 25 in areas rated at 2800 to 3200 CHU (corn heat units) and May 30 in areas over 3200 CHU (All CHU ratings are based on May 1 start date). When suitable soil conditions are present for planting, producers should consider not delaying planting in order to apply pre-plant nitrogen or incorporate herbicides.
