Farmers Forum staff
OTTAWA — Farmers reported generally positive yields as Eastern Ontario’s 2025 winter wheat harvest neared its conclusion at the end of July.
Lloyd Crowe, of Reynolds Farms in Prince Edward County, interviewed from the cab of a one-year-old Claas Lexion combine equipped with a 50-foot header, described the average 80 bu/ac yield as “really good despite six weeks without rain.”
Added Crowe, “It’s not quite as good as last year, but then last year was an exceptional year.” He estimated a 20 % reduction from potential yields due to shrunken kernels caused by the drought conditions.
Crowe, partner in the operation with 1,700 acres of winter wheat this year, highlighted the crop’s ability to thrive under tough conditions, thanks to ample straw shielding the plants.
He noted the stark contrast with neighboring corn crops, which suffered significantly from the dry spell. “They’re cooked, just curled right up,” he said. The advanced technology in his combine, featuring cameras and automated systems, has streamlined harvesting, producing wheat that “looks like it’s gone through a seed cleaner.”
Crowe’s operation also reflects heightened fire prevention measures, with a farm water truck carrying 2,000 gallons now a staple in the field after a combine fire last year nearly ignited a 200-acre field.
Elsewhere, Don MacDonald, of Brechin, reported yields ranging from 80 bushels per acre in thinner areas to an impressive 140-160 bushels per acre in robust sections. MacDonald said he focuses exclusively on hard red winter wheat.
North Gower Grains grain merchandiser Delores Seiter said the wheat harvest arriving at the elevator business reflected strong yields and satisfied farmers.
The Ontario winter wheat yield five-year average is 98.7 bushels per acre. For Eastern Ontario the last comprehensive report, from 2022, saw a 90–110 bushels per acre with up to 140 bushels in some fields.
Scott Kinloch, in Glengarry County, noted that while he didn’t grow winter wheat this year, a couple of his neighbours reported positive outcomes, though drought was posing challenges for other crops.
Shawn McRae, also from Glengarry, plans on venturing into winter wheat for the first time this year. McRae looked forward to planting 360 acres with the help of neighbour Keith Wells, by dropping winter wheat seed into soybean canopies before leaf drop. McRae noted winter wheat’s potential for double the yield over spring wheat, citing winter wheat’s earlier start in the spring and longer tillering period. However, he acknowledged risks like freeze-thaw cycles that can damage crowns, particularly in low-lying areas.
The trend toward winter wheat is growing in Eastern Ontario, traditionally a spring wheat region, as farmers recognize its yield advantages and hardier varieties, according to Lloyd Crowe.
“It’s becoming more and more popular because nobody does well growing spring wheat; it’s just nothing compared to winter wheat,” Crowe said. Despite risks like winter kill and drought, crop insurance and improved varieties are encouraging adoption, he said.
