2023 harvest stalls amidst wet, cold weather
Your eyes aren’t deceiving you, there is a lot more corn still standing in farmers’ fields than usual for this time of year.
“We would expect by the middle of October to have at least 20-25 pre cent of the crop mature, and 10-15 per cent harvested. We might have 1 per cent of the grain corn crop harvested,” said Peter Johnson, a senior agronomist with Real Agriculture.
Ontario’s corn crop is well behind schedule thanks to a lack of sustained heat this summer, said Johnson. And the sudden and constant supply of wet weather over the past two weeks hasn’t helped that, and has all but halted wheat planting, which could have ripple effects two years from now.Combining soybeans near Clinton, Ont., on Oct. 4, 2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“Wheat is an incredibly important rotation crop in Ontario. It really does incredible things for soil health. When we put wheat in the crop rotation, we get 5 per cent more corn the next year, and we get 11 per cent more beans the year after that. But, dang it, if it gets too late and it stays wet and we don’t get wheat in the ground, it’s not going to help our rotation very much,” said Johnson, who was the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture’s Provincial Cereal Specialist for 30 years.
Ontario’s other major crop beans looked great, and mostly came off the fields dry thanks to a late September heat wave. But, it was all too good to be true, said Johnson.
“In the London area particularly, soybean yields have been disappointing. They looked amazing, but we had too much rain in July, and that hurt the soybean crop. Wheat yields actually turned out great. Provincially, we’ve had the second highest wheat yield ever,” he said.Soybeans ripening in the fields of Huron County, Ont., on Oct. 19,2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
That’s what can be so deceiving driving around the countryside, the fields of tall corn flowing in the breeze look great, as did the beans, but the fact it’s still in the fields, bodes well for a late, late harvest for Ontario corn producers.
“There’s a lot of corn that did go in early. Maybe by the end of the month, but I’d bet you won’t see combines rolling again until November this year,” said Huron County corn producer Mike Colclough.
“I had one farmer joke with me that we might still be combining corn when we’re listening to Christmas carols. Not the way we’d like it to be,” said Johnson.Corn slowly maturing in the fields of Huron County, Ont., on Oct. 19, 2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
But, if you’re going to farm, you’ve got to find silver linings, which is what Colclough is trying to do as he watches the skies.
“Not perfect. It’s never perfect, but, it’s good enough, let’s put it that way. Timely rains came just in time, in our area at least,” said the Holmesville area farmer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.