ONTARIO — After a delayed start to the planting season, the province’s farmers were making quick progress on the task in the second week of May. OMAFRA’s May 11 crop report estimated that 50% of corn and soybeans would be in the ground by week’s end.
It’s been a flurry of activity for growers as conditions allowed them back onto their fields just a week earlier.
In some regions, closer to 80 or 90% of acres may be planted by this weekend, according to OMAFRA. However, areas with heavier textured soil are lagging behind, in places like Chatham-Kent, Essex and Niagara.
OMAFRA also warns there have been reports of soil hardening on surface due to dry conditions, primarily in clay-based soils. Given the sun, high temperatures and wind, there are concerns of soil drying out, especially if too many tillage passes occur. It’s critical to conserve moisture and to ensure seed is placed at least ½-inch into moisture, the ministry says.
