Photo taken near Crysler, Ontario. In this photo, the barley is exhibiting signs of growing under cold conditions. Courtesy Photo

By Kelsey Banks, Agronomist
AgriNews Contributor

As of May 22, many farmers in Eastern Ontario have completed or have almost completed planting for the 2021 crop. Here is a crop update for across Eastern Ontario:

Corn
Some of the corn was planted early spring. Within a day or so after the early planting rush, the area experienced a drop in temperature that included snowfall. This temperature drop and time it lasted had some farmers concerned if their planted corn would still emerge. The cool dip of weather resulted in a bit slower germination and emergence of the corn, but otherwise it is now looking great as it emerges and grows. All of the crops could use some rain, especially in some of the drier areas, but overall most of the crops are growing and emerging nicely.

Soybeans
Most of the glyphosate and Enlist tolerant soybeans have been planted, are, or will be shortly. Now, more identity preserved soybeans have begun to be planted. Overall, the crop is emerging nicely.

Cereal
Overall, cereals of both spring and winter types are growing well. If a cereal was planted early this spring or in some winter wheat fields, there have been some greyish-white dots noticed on some of the older leaves. Although this may look like grey speck as seen on oats some years, it is typically a physiological sign of enduring the cool drop in temperature. The winter wheat had already come out of winter dormancy previous to the drop and was then exposed to cold conditions and the snow. This resulted in seeing plants now showing what looks like grey speck, but is typically a condition of the weather and it should keep growing.

Forages
With the warmer weather occurring earlier on, some fields of hay and/or ryegrass have had first cut completed. Continue to monitor potential environmental stresses and signs of disease.

Canola and edible beans
Spring canola has been planted and some fields are beginning to emerge. Edible bean planting has begun in some areas, but not many fields have begun to emerge.

If you have any questions, please contact your agronomist.