June 18, 2012

Canada's brisk corn production growth due to good weather

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affair's field crop update for the week ended June 13 stated that favourable weather conditions have promoted the rapid growth of crops in Ontario.

The corn crop was in good shape across most of the province with development significantly ahead of normal, the ministry's report said.

The soil moisture supply for corn fields was excellent in most areas and the crop was set to enter a phase of rapid growth. High yields were expected, the report said.

Soy plant development was seen as good. Spraying was underway to control insect and disease issues, the ministry said. Most of the soy fields were in the first to third trifoliate leaf stage of development.

Rapeseed planted in April varies considerably between bolting to 70% flower stage. Northern Ontario rapeseed areas were still very dry with emergence called highly variable. Rapeseed that hasn't bolted is at risk of Swede Midge damage, the report said.

Most spring cereal fields in the province have now headed, well ahead of normal. Fusarium sprays on spring wheat and barley fields continue. Winter cereals in Ontario continue to develop rapidly, with harvest anticipated 10 days early, the ministry said.

Adequate moisture has led to very good grass growth, which has improved pastures in the province, according to the ministry.