Sandra Dales's Page

Monitoring Canola for Cabbage Seedpod Weevil and Tarnished Plant Bug

Cabbage seedpod weevil (CSW) are being found in spring canola, particularly in earlier planted fields that are beginning to flower. CSW may begin to appear just prior to bolting and can primarily be found on flower buds until pods begin to form.

Ontario Field Crop Report, June 21, 2018: Sulphur response in Ontario’s field crops

Sulphur (S) had been a neglected nutrient in Ontario for many years. For decades, in much of Ontario, sulphur came in significant quantities from the sky – deposited from emissions from industrial activity. Even before that, impurities in fertilizers and more widespread application of manure helped ensure a regular addition of sulphur to our soils.

Simcoe Agribusiness Breakfast Meeting Minutes – June 20, 2018

High winds, hail and pounding rain in some of the area over the past week has added frustration to an already difficult spring seeding season. A category F2 tornado with maximum wind speeds of 180 km/hr along with significant hail cut a path about 30 km and up to ½ km wide from the Norwich to Fisherville area. Thunderstorms (and hail) Wednesday June 13 and Monday June 18 brought “the million dollar rain” for many producers with anywhere from 0 to 90 mm of precipitation. Pounding rains caused significant soil erosion and crusting in some newly planted fields. Soil health and infiltration capacity differences between neighbouring fields was evident in surface runoff. Conditions remain dry in much of the region and additional “gentle” rainfalls would be welcomed.

Ridgetown Agribusiness Breakfast Meeting – June 19, 2018

This is the final meeting for spring 2018. A fall meeting was discussed: stay tuned. Most areas in Southwestern Ontario received some rain yesterday (Monday). Amounts varied widely, 2-80 mm, most areas receiving 10-20 mm. For most growers it was a critical boost, although not really enough. Parts of Niagara are the exception, and they got hammered again.

The 3rd Annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Oxford County

The 3rd Annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day in Oxford County was held on June 12, at AJ Baker Public School in Kintore. Progressive Agriculture Safety Days (PAF), founded in 1995, are held annually across North America, coordinated by local communities looking to bring attention to agricultural safety among rural youth.