Corn Acres Down Only 10% Despite Planting Woes

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It looks like Ontario’s corn crop will not see the shrinking acreage that many predicted as planting drags into June.

That’s the word from Brian Hall, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s canola and edible bean specialist. Hall reports that the consensus coming out of a meeting of agronomists from across central Ontario this week was that corn acres are only 10% off preseason predictions. “That’s surprising  given how tough the conditions were,” says Hall.

He pegged corn planting across the province as almost complete with exceptions coming in areas such as Niagara and Essex County where farmers are still struggling with wet fields. Soybeans are about 50% planted across the province, and virtually done in some areas.

Related: Get more corn production information in the Corn School!

In a podcast interview with RealAgriculture.com’s Bernard Tobin, Hall also commented on the province’s canola crop and how he expects the small crop to see an acreage bump despite pest challenges from swede midge and flea beetles.

Hall is also optimistic for growth in the Ontario edible bean crop. The biggest challenge facing farmers growing edibles is how to manage root rot. But Hall is encouraged by the growth in researcher and grower interest in measuring and managing soil health. He feels good soil structure and health are key for the future of edible beans in Ontario.

If you can’t see the embedded player, click here to hear this interview.

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