Spring has sprung, and so has Ontario's fresh local asparagus. Ontario asparagus farmers are working hard harvesting this year's crop for Ontarians to enjoy at their dinner tables.
The spring of 2019 has been unprecedented with excess rainfall and cool temperatures. This has significantly delayed soybean planting. When does it become necessary to switch to earlier maturing soybean varieties? There has been a trend in modern soybean production to plant early and to use long season varieties to achieve higher yields. This strategy has proven effective when soil conditions allow for early planting, but it’s also changed perceptions of what a “normal” planting date is for soybeans. When soybeans first gained popularity in Ontario over 50 years ago it was considered normal to wait until the May 24th weekend before seeding. This idea stemmed from the fact that soybeans cannot tolerate a killing frost once emerged. Soybeans are also a subtropical species and thrive under warm conditions. It was considered ideal to see soybeans twice in one week. First as seed in the planter, then as emerged seedlings within 7 days of planting. This will only happen under warm soil condi
It was a small group in attendance at the Simcoe breakfast meeting this week. Some may have been busy with field work, but overall things are still moving slowly across the region and may not be moving at all on heavy soils that remain wet. Those in attendance reported that producers are optimistic planting will begin in a big way this coming weekend, or maybe into next week. While we are looking for more heat to move the winter wheat along and dry out fields for planting corn and soybeans, it is a good thing we do not see very high heat in the short-term forecast, which can bake the soil surface and trap moisture below on heavy ground.
Weather patterns have been variable, leading to regional differences in progress on planting and crop growth. Soils continue to remain unfit for field operations in large parts of the province, especially in much of the southwest and parts of eastern Ontario (figure 1). A few pockets have had windows of opportunity to catch up on cultivation, fertilizer spreading, and planting.
For many airblast operators, the spring of 2019 has been very difficult. The frequency and duration of rain events has left limited opportunity for orchard sprays. Even then, the periods between rains are transitions between warm and moist conditions and cold fronts, which makes wind gusty and changeable. These same periods leave wet alleys prone to rutting and compaction, and conditions that favour spraying may also favour pollinator activity.
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all we ever wanted to do was farm a hundred acers with some beef and goats
they say no one has interest in small family farms
we are a dad 45 daughter 24 son
we would beef farm in manitoulin islands where people dont even care anymore
or look after the farms and fences
but where do people like us get the money when you have no family
to help
we are willing to work and live in a garbage house for anyone that would help us
get the farm and pay it off over the next twenty years
by then i will be sixty and my son and daughter could take over
wheres the help? I know farmers in ontario that have THREE three hundred thousand dollar combines PAID FOR and trade every two years
wheres the support for new farmers LIKE us thats all we have EVER WANTED
integrity@cyg.net
All the best to you and yours in 2010!
Steve