News Seeding/Planting
OMAFRA: Big storms, crop planting and forage harvests

The field crop news team for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has released its field crop report as of May 25.

A large storm system with high winds, and variable amounts of rain on Saturday, May 22, swept across Windsor to Quebec City, and left widespread power outages, downed trees, and property damage. While field crops were not significantly affected aside from hail-shredded leaves, downed trees and power outages, along with plant and metal debris left in fields, have caused some disruptions and damage.

Since fewer acres of winter wheat were planted due to adverse conditions in fall 2021, spring cereal acres are higher than usual. Forage harvest has begun with forage rye harvest the week of May 16 and early alfalfa grass stands beginning the week of May 24 for dairy producers aiming for four cuts before September. Growers should be on the lookout for alfalfa weevil.

Corn planting is generally complete except on some heavy soils, and soybean seeding is estimated at just under 50 per cent, although this varies by region. |READ MORE