The Ontario government has released its proposed regulatory changes to the provincial Pesticides Act to restrict the sale and use of corn and soybean seed treated with neonicotinoids in the province — and to say Ontario’s grain farmers aren’t pleased would be an understatement. According to provincial agriculture minister Jeff Leal, the intent is to […] Read more
The latest buzz on bees and neonics
Ontario government proposes restricted use of neonic-treated seed
Researching our daily bread
U.K. researchers are working to increase our global wheat yield and nutrition
Wheat provides one fifth of human calories, but its yield growth has been on the decline since the 1980s. Researchers in the United Kingdom are trying to solve some of the world’s food security challenges by improving wheat productivity. Their goal, says Dr. Malcolm Hawkesford of leading British institute Rothamsted Research, is to increase wheat […] Read more
OSCIA: Non-traditional crops may yield health market opportunities
There may be opportunities for Ontario farmers to grow medicinal and culinary herbs, as well as other non-traditional crops, for the health market — but the first step is determining whether it’s possible to grow these crops in Ontario. That step was the basis of a Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)-led […] Read more
OSCIA: Cover crop options after winter wheat and into standing corn
A two-year research project underway in southwestern Ontario is evaluating various cover crops, including when and where to plant and how to manage them to achieve the best results. They’re being planted either after winter wheat harvest or into standing corn. “About five to 10 per cent of field crop growers use them on a […] Read more
OSCIA: Managing soybean seedling diseases can cut production costs
High soybean yields begin with a healthy stand of vigorous plants. Seedling diseases, along with other factors such as weather, can result in the need to replant and drive up the cost of production. A project underway in conjunction with researchers from the U.S. is determining which pathogens affect soybean seedlings, and developing diagnostic tools […] Read more
OSCIA: Disease awareness can improve alfalfa yield, quality
Traditional diseases affecting alfalfa crops are as prevalent as emerging ones — that’s the somewhat surprising finding of the 2012 alfalfa disease survey that was conducted in Ontario last year to look at incidence, distribution and severity of many common diseases affecting commercial alfalfa fields in Ontario. “We were initially thinking we would find mostly […] Read more
OSCIA: Weather key in N recommendations for high-yield corn
Weather can make a big difference in the amount of nitrogen recommended for growing high-yielding corn. This is part of preliminary findings from a project led by corn specialist Greg Stewart of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Guelph, which is evaluating Ontario’s corn nitrogen calculator to determine the accuracy of its recommendations […] Read more
Crop Advances: Disease scouting helps maintain Ont. corn quality
Regular survey for the presence of corn diseases and pests can help farmers and plant breeders adapt to emerging trends — and protect and grow markets. This is particularly important for seed corn production, where Ontario is a recognized leader in North America, producing high yields and high quality. "These surveys help give us a […] Read more
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