Ontario soy up to 70% seeded

Ontario farmers are moving forward planting this year's soy crop, with up to 70% of the acres in the ground as of May 21, said provincial crop specialists.

Favourable weather conditions in April allowed some fields to be planted earlier than normal, while rain in May caused delays in other areas. Overall, the province is 50-70% seeded according to Horst Bohner, soy specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs.

When the month of May hit, Ontario experienced less favourable weather versus April. In fact, at the beginning of May the province experienced a frost which killed off already emerged crops. However, because of early seeding, soy yields in Ontario are not expected to be affected.

Meanwhile, the estimated acreage for the 2010 soy crop in Ontario is 2.45 million acres, compared to 2.40 million in 2009, according to analysts. The estimated yield production for this year is 4.2 bushels per acre, the same as 2009.

Analysts also said that of the approximate 108 million bushels of total supply, 55 million will be crushed in Ontario, 9 million will be used for seed and other uses, and 38 million will be exported, mentioning there is a big demand from China currently. The figures are based off of the same breakdown from 2009.

Ontario's soy acreage is expected to be fully planted by May 28 if the weather stays dry, according to Bohner.