The Ontario soybean harvest is estimated at about 5-10% complete, although some rain this week in parts of the province has now slowed progress, according to the latest weekly update from Grain Farmers of Ontario.
Winter wheat planting is now also underway in the province, while the recent stretch of warm, dry weather has helped advance corn maturity.
Corn:
Corn is anywhere from a black layer to 1/4 milk line in most areas. Warm days in the past couple of weeks have really helped advance corn. With exceptionally warm, dry weather, grain moisture could decrease by one point per day. As October approaches, with cooler weather and some showers, it will be common to need approximately three days to remove one point of moisture.
Gibberella ear mould has appeared in some locations. Most of the crop has looked to be free of ear mould until now. The crop was infected during pollination with ideal moderate temperatures and humidity, aiding in infection of the silk channel. Conditions after infection will lead to the actual development of the visual symptoms of ear mould that are just now being observed.
Soybeans:
Soybean harvest is continuing across the province as weather and plant maturity allow, with 5 to 10% harvested. As there was an extended hot, dry period approaching soybean harvest, there were some reports of soybeans being harvested below 13% moisture. Harvesting below optimum harvest moisture can impact revenue through reduced delivery weight and shatter loss and splits. With rain arriving earlier this week, it should help the moisture of the soybean seed return to a moisture that is more desirable for harvest.
Soybean harvest started slightly earlier than some years. There are some great advantages to harvesting early, including timely wheat planting, reduced soil compaction from typically wet fall soils later in the year, earlier fall tillage, and the ability to switch to corn earlier.
Cereals:
Winter wheat planting is occurring, with some areas planting earlier than normal. A nice rain across most of the province will ensure moisture for wheat to germinate, especially in areas lacking moisture. Spring cereal harvest, oats in particular, is still occurring in the northern portion of the province.
