www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca Published by HARVEST PREPARATION SEPTEMBER 2023 Weed control for 2024 ENSURE THE BEST OUTCOMES NEXT YEAR to)
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SEPTEMBER 2023volume 14, number 9 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMERis published 9 times a year (December/January, February, March, April/May, June/July, August, September, October, and November) through Grain Farmers of Ontario. Distribution is to all Ontario barley, corn, oat, soybean, and wheat farmer-members. Associate Membership Subscription available upon request. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the policies of Grain Farmers of Ontario. Seek professional advice before undertaking any recommendations or suggestions presented in this magazine. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065283. Return undeliverable items to Grain Farmers of Ontario, 679 Southgate Drive, Guelph, ON N1G 4S2. © Grain Farmers of Ontario all rights reserved. Publisher: Grain Farmers of Ontario, Phone: 1-800-265-0550, Website: www.gfo.ca; Managing Editor: Mary Feldskov; Production Co-ordinator: Kim Ratz; Advertising Sales: Joanne Tichborne 6 ON THE COVER Weed control for 2024 Treena Hein ENSURE THE BEST OUTCOMES NEXT YEAR From the CEO’s desk COLLABORATION IS KEY 4 Bin-busting wheat yields Lois Harris 10 Networking to grow great wheat Alexandra Dacey 12 Business side Conversations with business experts 9 GrainTALK newsletter An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 16 A look back at the season Kelsey Banks 14 Crop side Agronomic information from crop specialists 21 Professional agri-contractors Jeanine Moyer 18 Equipment readiness roundup Matt McIntosh 22 Testing for DON Alexandra Dacey 24 Grains on the Go Mary Feldskov 26 Good in Every Grain Updates on our campaign 30 Rural crime on the rise Ontario Grain Farmer 28 Cover photo courtesy of Brianne Curtis. BIODEGRADABLE POLY
with government, industry, and the value chain, we can find common ground that focuses on a science-based approach rather than arbitrary targets and approaches that could negatively impact farmers. InJuly, when I sat down to write this note, a federal cabinet shuffle resulted in some changes at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. We are looking forward to working with Minister Lawrence MacAulay, who returns to the portfolio after service as minister from 2015-2019. We extend our best wishes to Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, who has served as the minister since 2019, who moves to the national revenue portfolio. While the fall is a busy time for harvest, we are also preparing for a busy fall meeting and event season, including Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show and the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo. Grain Farmers of Ontario’s annual general meeting is also coming up on September 12. We hope to see you at one or more of these great fall events. l 4 RIGHT NOW, FARMERSacross the province are gearing up for a busy corn and soybean harvest following the summer harvest of cereal crops. After what can only be described as a growing season featuring incredibly varied and unpredictable weather, we are all waiting to see what the harvest season has in store for us this year. Grain Farmers of Ontario continues to work behind the scenes to ensure that farmer-members have the tools, resources, and support they need to operate successful, sustainable businesses. Recent updates to the Code of Practice for trade in barley, corn, soybeans, wheat, and canola, for example, have provided clarity for farmers and elevators on the responsibilities and expectations when it comes to the delivery, inspection, grading, and dispute resolution process. By working closely with the Ontario Agri Business Association and the Canola Growers of Ontario, we’ve been able to provide a detailed framework which benefits both the grower and the buyer — a win-win. The summer’s wet weather — July saw above-average rainfall and hot, humid conditions — caused concern for wheat harvest quality and increased potential for diseases to develop in the corn and soybean crops. Grain Farmers of Ontario’s partnership with the SGS Canada Grains Analytical Testing Laboratory, which opened in 2016, helps ensure that wheat quality meets the demands of domestic and international millers and that farmermembers have market access for their grains. And since 2018’s DON crisis — where Ontario Farmers lost an estimated $200 million in revenue — Grain Farmers of Ontario has been investing in research and tools to help mitigate the impact of future DON outbreaks. The outcome of some of that research, which includes a new DON testing procedure at the elevator, is highlighted on page 24. While we hope we never see a repeat of the 2018 crisis, the collaborative efforts of Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the University of Guelph, and the Ontario Agri Business Association mean that we are better prepared to deal with what may come this harvest season and beyond. In July, Grain Farmers of Ontario made a submission to the Government of Canada’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy consultation. The Strategy is in response to biodiversity targets set at COP15, held in 2022 in Montreal, that will have an impact on Canada’s agricultural sector. In our submission, we made it clear that we want to work with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada to ensure that farmers are consulted, and their needs are considered throughout the policy development and implementation process. Ontario’s farmers are committed to sustainability and biodiversity, and by working From the CEO’s desk Crosby Devitt, CEO, Grain Farmers of Ontario Collaboration is key
A7373G2 RIB CORN DISCOVER THE $54 PER ACRE ADVANTAGE “We grow A7373G2 RIB corn on our farms because of the response it has on our sandier soil types. Never been disappointed with the results.” John Peacock Simcoe, ON 1.800.265.5280 PRIDESEEDS.COM The performance data included is from internal field testing comparing similar maturity PRIDE and competitive products. Performance may vary from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil, and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on the grower’s fields. PRIDE Seeds makes no guarantees and provides no warranties on the performance of PRIDE Seeds’ products. Always read and follow IRM, where applicable, grain marketing, stewardship practices, and pesticide label directions. PRIDE® and the PRIDE Seeds Design® are registered trademarks of AgReliant Genetics Inc. and its affiliated companies. ©2023 AgReliant Genetics Inc., P.O. Box 1088 Chatham, ON. N7M 5L6. The power of performance delivers results for your farm. With 320 comparisons over the past 4 seasons, A7373G2 RIB hybrid continues to outperform 102-105RM competitors. Providing strong spring vigour, heavy kernel weights and on average a 7bu/acre advantage. This means greater yield and more money in your pocket. Power. Performance. Results! Talk to your local PRIDE Seeds dealer today. 320 comparisons Moisture Yield Test Weight Per Acre PRIDE Seeds A7373G2 RIB 21.2 227.7 56.5 $1765 Competition Leading Products 20.9 220.4 55.7 $1711 Difference 0.3 7.3 0.8 $54 Dollars per acre are calculated using $8.00 per bushel less $0.040 per bushel per point of moisture over 15% All product images shown are A7373G2 RIB
Cover story 6 EVERY FALL, ALONGwith combining, grain storage, and other harvest tasks, weed control for the coming season should be top of mind. Don McLean, strategic agronomy marketing manager at GROWMARK, notes that resistance issues remain serious in Ontario. Common ragweed, with its multiple group resistances — especially Group 14 — is a particular problem among growers of Identity-Preserved soybeans. Mike Cowbrough, field crop weed specialist at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, confirms that Group 14resistant common ragweed has been identified in several areas of the province and that these populations are growing. "The mosteffective herbicides for this weed are Reflex and Blazer, but they are both Group 14, which means there are no options, and there's nothing coming down the pipeline that I've heard of," Cowbrough says. What can growers do? "First of all, we are asking all growers to send samples of common ragweed that have escaped herbicide application in soybeans and dry beans to please send it for no-cost resistance testing," notes Cowbrough. "In terms of preventing seed production, harvest weed seed destructors may be an option, but ragweed often disperses its seed before harvest. There are four or five Weed Zappers in the province, and they're effective at stopping weed seed production, but the ragweed obviously has to be above the crop canopy for this to work. This approach does help with numbers for the following year, but doesn't solve the problem of competition during the critical period of weed control." COVER CROPS CAN HELP However, cover crops and tillage are very good options for resistant common ragweed, along with many other weeds. Cowbrough recommends oats or cereal rye after soybeans because they emerge early and compete well with common ragweed and other earlyemerging species. However, he acknowledges that growers with clay soils generally have to delay killing cereal rye off in the spring, which is difficult at that point due to the large size. Oats are a good option as they die by spring, and the residue is not excessive. Cowbrough says oat seed rates as low as 50 lbs/ac work well and that the seed can be blended with potash. Growers may also be able to get revenue from baleage in the fall from oats. James Ferrier, agronomist and product development manager at Nufarm, notes that research into rye, oats and other cover crops in terms of weed suppression is now extensive. "I have had success on my farm with an oat cover crop combined with light tillage after winter wheat to disrupt some weed species' life cycles," he says. Cowbrough reports that about a million acres in Ontario are still left uncovered every winter. If growers can try some type of cover crop on that acreage, it will go a long way to help with overall weed control over time. "The more we can do to reduce the number of seeds returning to the soil, the better," he says. "It's a numbers game." WATERHEMP Cover crops also help with waterhemp, along with diverse rotations, according to new research by University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus scientists. At present, there is waterhemp present in Ontario that is resistant to several modes of action. For this weed, Cowbrough advises growers to scout thoroughly (any weird-looking pigweed should be checked to see if it is waterhemp, then sent for resistance testing). Any fields with waterhemp present this year must have soil-applied herbicides applied next year if you are going into corn and soybeans, as they are the backbone of effective waterhemp management. He strongly urges growers to scout and deal with any they see before the population grows exponentially. He adds that planting cover crops is the most logical route for growers not planting winter wheat after soybean harvest. "Of course, there is also plenty of opportunity to do it after wheat,” notes Cowbrough. "And after corn that's silage corn or taken off early, wehave seen lots of growers plant cover crops and get the benefits in the spring. It's Weed control for 2024 ENSURE THE BEST OUTCOMES NEXT YEAR Treena Hein continued on page 8 • Group 14-resistant common ragweed has been identified in several areas of the province, and their populations are growing. • Cover crops can help minimize the impact of common ragweed and other weeds. • Planting oats or cereal rye after soybeans can help reduce ragweed as they emerge early and compete well. • Waterhemp resistance has also been found in Ontario. • A fall or super-early spring application of herbicides can effectively control perennials like bluegrass, rye grass, or brome grass in corn and winter wheat. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 7 SEPTEMBER 2023 LEFT: UNTREATED BARLEY FIELD; RIGHT: BARLEY FIELD TREATED WITH VALTERA + GLYPHOSATE PRE-PLANT. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES FERRIER, NUFARM.
8 In addition, weeds like Canada fleabane are easy to control in the fall but display variable control in the spring. Higher yields are also a result of fall herbicide application, says Ferrier. "We know that fall weed interference pulls yield from fall-seeded crops. In four winter wheat trials in 2020-2021, our Nufarm research program showed an average of 12 bu/ac gained by implementing a fall herbicide program over not spraying. I know that most growers would have still sprayed inthe spring, but this demonstrates the magnitude of yield loss due to weeds in winter wheat." He adds that researchers like Dr. Eric Johnson have demonstrated that a fall herbicide application containing pyroxasulfone (Fierce, Zidua) before planting winter wheat could provide over 80 per cent control of grasses the following season. Cowbrough agrees that a fall or superearly spring application of herbicides effectively controls perennials like bluegrass, rye grass, or brome grass in corn and winter wheat. "Tillage should also be examined as a control method, and again, cover crops," he says. "This problem is coming from tight rotations, and we're seeing more of it, and I feel like in some areas we're at a tipping point. Please consider fall herbicide, tillage and seed cover crops." FOR MORE Find out more, including a common ragweed resistance map along with details for resistance testing and an overview of integrated pest management strategies, which Cowbrough notes apply to most weeds at https://fieldcropnews.com/2017/10/commonragweed-biology-and-control/. l WHEAT FIELD UNTREATED. PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES FERRIER, NUFARM. continued from page 6 riskier to get establishment after grain corn, so try it on a small scale, experiment with it and scale it up. Besides weed suppression, it also reduces erosion. And when conditions after herbicide application are dry, and the risk of herbicide carryover is greater, cover crops can help alleviate the risk to some extent." FALL APPLICATION Ferrier notes that while some farmers have been doing fall or post-harvest burndown herbicide application after winter wheat or soybean harvest for many years, new research showing its value may prompt more to try it. "The goal is to target weeds that emerged late in the current crop and to clean up the field for planting fall cereal crops," he says. "Weeds are easiest to control when small and actively growing, and many perennial and winter annual weeds are smallest and easiest to control in the fall."
9 (J.M.) WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO HIRE FOREIGN WORKERS IN CANADA? (J.F.) Most agricultural businesses fall under the agricultural stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. This program allows farm employers to hire foreign workers when Canadians and permanent residents are unavailable. To qualify to hire under the TFW program, employers must apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) that will determine if there are no other Canadians available to fill the positions. WHAT IS A LABOUR MARKET IMPACT ASSESSMENT? As a licensed immigration consultant, I work with farms to apply for an LMIA, the government document issued by Service Canada that allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers. The LMIA application requires employers to prove there are no Canadian applicants for the job through advertising. Throughout this process, the employer must also prove business legitimacy, provide proof of housing for workers hired (and inspected by the employer's local public health) and provide a job description. To qualify, employers need to provide year-round, full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) and housing. Once the LMIA is approved, workers can apply for their work permit. The LMIA application process can be complex, and that is where I can help farmers who may not know where to start. I support farmers by organizing paperwork, understanding their employer obligations, and submitting and monitoring LMIA applications. In many cases, I'm a consultant farmers can call on to learn more about the program and processes and weigh the pros and cons of hiring foreign labour. I bring eight years of experience hiring foreign labour to support my family's dairy farm and help farm employers decide if they are ready to invest in applying for and hiring foreign workers. WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF A FOREIGN LABOUR EMPLOYER? Employers are responsible for their LMIA application and supporting documentation, like business legitimacy, housing inspections, etc. Once approved and employment has been accepted, the workers coming to Canada are responsible for securing their visas and any related processing fees. Some countries require extra procedures, like medical exams, and that's also the worker's responsibility. Employers are required to provide the flight to Canada, transportation from the airport to your farm, housing, and the return flight home. Foreign workers must have health insurance and be covered by WSIB. They are eligible for OHIP, but it can take a few weeks to effect. Employersare responsible for covering the cost of health care and taking employees to health facilities when necessary, so I always recommend employers purchase private health insurance for workers when they arrive as a bridge until OHIP kicks in. WHAT REGULATIONS GOVERN THE TEMPORARY FOREIGN WORKER PROGRAM? Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) assesses LMIA to determine how these workers would impact the Canadian labour market. Compliance is governed by ESDC. Any foreign worker concerns or complaints are filed with ESDC, and employers are subject to random inspections under this regulatory body. Inspections could include reviewing paperwork, ensuring fair working conditions and hours, and workers being paid. ESDC also sets wage guidelines for employers paying foreign workers. Under this program, foreign workers have a maximum duration of two years, and all activities must relate to on-farm primary agriculture. This differs from the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, which provides employment for up to eight months of the year. In Ontario, foreign workers are also covered and protected by provincial governing laws. ARE MORE FARMS HIRING FOREIGN LABOUR? Farms with consistent labour requirements, like dairy, poultry, and swine, are increasingly turning to the TFW program to solve labour shortages. I've seen a major uptake in interest from employers in hiring foreign workers because they are struggling to find reliable Canadian workers willing to put in the long hours necessary to keep a farm operating. Many grain farmers I've talked to are on the fence about hiring foreign workers. The seasonality, higher skill requirements to operate machinery, and language barriers can be constraints for grain farms. Grain farmers looking to hire workers also tend to do a lot of custom work, which means the farm no longer qualifies for the agricultural stream of the program. Once foreign workers start working for another farm and are paid by another business entity (via their farm employer), they become a contractor under provincial labour laws. There is a lot of grey area in the TFW program when it comes to the types of work required on a grain farm. I advise grain farmers interested in the program to fully understand the requirements and carefully weigh the pros and cons. l Jeanine Moyer Joanne Fallis, J Fallis Immigration Consulting fallisimmigration@gmail.com Foreign farm workers BUSINESS SIDE WITH... Business side ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 9 SEPTEMBER 2023
10 ERIC WATSON’S TWO-TIMEGuinness World record for wheat yields came with a lot of planning, testing, hard work, and luck with the weather, but the most important thing was timing. “It’s crucial to get the timing right,” says the New Zealand farmer, who adds that goes for planting, fertilizing, and spraying. Watson farms on 490 hectares (1,211 acres) of land east of Ashburton on the country’s east coast of the South Island. While Watson’s experience in 2017 and 2020 is quite different from growing conditions in Ontario, there are lessons that can be learned from the grower who beat his own 2017 record by harvesting 17.398 tonnes a hectare (258 bushels an acre) of wheat in February 2020. COMPARE AND CONTRAST Watson, who has been farming for 45 years, is a strong believer in continuous progress. In addition to wheat, he grows grass seed (rye, timothy, red fescue, red clover) and spinach, radishes, and red beets for seed. He also grows alternative pasture species, including chicory and plantain, and he recently started hybrid canola seed production. “We’re always trying different things,” he says. In terms of soil, he is fortunate to have “quite a nice silt loam,” with 30 to 40 centimetres (12 to 15 inches) of topsoil and clay underneath. “The whole farm is irrigated, and we’ve done variable rate potassium, phosphate, and lime fertilizing for 12 to 14 years now to even up the pH,” he says. He plants wheat during the second or third week of April with sowing rates of 60 to 70 kilograms per hectare (132 to 154 pounds per acre). “We’re aiming for 110 plants per metre squared with six to eight tillers per plant,” he says, adding that the wheat varieties are from U.K. Bin-busting wheat yields TWO-TIME GUINNESS WORLD RECORD GROWER ERIC WATSON Lois Harris ERIC WATSON (RIGHT) RECENTLY TOURED THE U.S. AND CANADA, PICTURED HERE WITH REALAGRICULTURE AGRONOMIST PETER JOHNSON. PHOTO COURTESY OF BERNARD TOBIN, REALAGRICULTURE. and European breeders, where they tend to have very good tillering characteristics. In Ontario, Joanna Follings agrees that timing is crucial, even though the seasons are opposite. “The most cost-effective way to optimize and maximize your yields is with timely planting,” says the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs cereals specialist. “You can’t necessarily manage your way out of a delayed planting — you can still have good yields, but we’re finding that even with intensified management, you can’t make up for the delay.” She strongly encourages growers to consult Ontario’s ‘Optimum Planting Date Maps for Winter Wheat.’ It outlines optimum planting date windows for each region of the province. She adds that new research has shown that earlier planting dates result in more heads per metre squared, which Watson emphasized during a visit to North America in mid-June. He was a guest speaker during the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) crop tour in Michigan. FERTILITY Getting nitrogen levels right is also important to produce a good wheat crop. Watson says that his fields tend to hold on to nitrogen, and it does not leach when it is wet. He applies about 300 kilograms per hectare, based on soil testing he does every year in late winter or early spring. “We don’t want to overuse nitrogen,” he says, adding that he began using liquid nitrogen a few years ago because it achieves more even coverage than the dry version and can be spread right to the edge of the fields. He also has the advantage of a 48-metre spray boom. “You have to be careful about timing — it’s best to apply nitrogen when it’s raining or about to rain because you can burn the leaves — it’s a bit tricky,” he warns, adding that he applies it up to five or six times during the growing season. Agronomy JOANNA FOLLINGS.
In Ontario, Follings agrees that liquid nitrogen is optimal, especially with the rolling topography in many areas, but that it requires the right equipment and may not be for everyone. She says splitting nitrogen applications is the way to maximize yields and minimize the potential for lodging. Macro and micronutrients are also necessary for good yields in both countries, and tissue testing is key. For example, Watson applies 25 to 30 kilograms of magnesium per hectare and about 35 kilograms of sulphur per hectare of wheat. He regularly does tissue testing, especially for trace element deficiencies (e.g. manganese, zinc and boron) to “see what’s going on during the growing season” and adjust fertility if needed. Follings says that growers involved in the YEN did tissue testing twice during the growing season and found that there were some nutrient deficiencies this year, such as manganese, which they were able to correct thanks to the results. WEEDS AND DISEASE For his herbicide program, Watson adds a pre-drilling grass weed killer, does another pass post drilling and in the pre-emergent stage. During the growing season, up to growth stage 39, the crop will be sprayed with up to five insecticides. “We’re very susceptible to barley yellow dwarf virus, which is transmitted by aphids, which we need to get rid of,” he says. In Ontario, fall aphid feeding can be less of a threat if planting happens within the optimum planting date window, although Follings says that following Integrated Pest Management, including regular scouting, is a good way to ward off problems. Watson uses five fungicides throughout the season, sometimes in combination with the insecticides. His low seeding rates and aggressive spray strategy help prevent lodging, which can cause significant losses, especially in the high-yielding fields. “It can mean two and a half to three tonnes a hectare,” he says. “It’s quite dramatic.” Lodging can also be a problem in Ontario but can be managed by either splitting nitrogen applications or using plant growth regulators (PGR). Choosing varieties that have a low lodging score is also a good way to manage lodging, according to Follings. “Our main diseases are yellow and brown rust and septoria, which are yield robbers as well, so control is important,” Watson says, adding that getting the spray timing right is critical. In Ontario, fusarium is the big disease enemy, especially if the season is wet, and fungicides used appropriately can help. Follings advises growers to monitor how the wheat crop is doing by getting into the fields and checking them out. “It’s the best way to find out the growth stage, as well as disease, weed and insect pressure,” she says. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 11 SEPTEMBER 2023 “The most cost-effective way to optimize and maximize your yields is with timely planting.” Bringing technology to Join us at Eastern Canada’s largest outdoor farm show - an experience where the latest in agricultural technology comes to life in the field. September 12, 13 & 14, 2023 outdoorfarmshow.com
12 THE GREAT LAKES Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) organized its first summer networking tour in June 2023 in central and Eastern Michigan. More than 30 growers and their families attended from all over the Great Lakes region, including Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Ontario, as well as some very special guests from South Island, New Zealand. These growers represented 22 different Great Lakes YEN sites participating in 2023. Representatives from Michigan State University (MSU), Michigan Wheat Program, Ohio State University, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and Grain Farmers of Ontario also attended the tour to support the program's ongoing success. The tour kicked off at the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, where participants heard from Eric Watson, the 2020 World Record Wheat Yield Winner. Eric planted his most recent world recordwinning wheat on April 17, 2019, and harvested exactly 10 months later on February 17, 2020, with a yield of 17.398 tonnes per hectare (258.7 bushels per acre). Participants from both Ontario and the U.S. were excited to get the chance to ask questions about the different growing conditions and cropping practices Eric was using for his record yields, especially with regard to Eric's significantly lower seeding density (~400,000 seeds per acre) compared to common practice in North America. (Read more about Eric Watson's record wheat yield on page 10). OPTIMAL PLANTING DATES Participants heard from Joanna Follings, OMAFRA cereals specialist, and Emma Dieleman, a recent M.Sc. graduate and agronomist with NK Seeds, who discussed optimum winter wheat planting. They emphasized that both grain fill and growing season length are highly dependent on weather, so it is critical to plan ahead by seeding wheat after early harvested crops such as canola or edible beans, consider shorter season soybean varieties in fields that are intended for winter wheat, and have fertilizer and weed control plans in place and equipment prepared well in advance of seeding. Peter Johnson, an agronomist with RealAgriculture, enthusiastically explained the need for sufficient nitrogen levels in the soil for fungicide applications to be effective and provided an overview of his wheat partitioning study (funded in part by Grain Farmers of Ontario). Participants then had the opportunity to head out into the research plots and hear from Dr. Eric Olson, assistant professor in wheat breeding and genetics at MSU, and Dr. Manni Singh, assistant professor of cropping systems agronomy at MSU, who provided a tour of their extensive winter wheat variety trial and provided an overview of their wheat canopy research, comparing the amount of light infiltration between varieties. Olson noted Networking to grow great wheat GREAT LAKES YIELD ENHANCEMENT NETWORK TOUR Alexandra Dacey YEN PARTICIPANTS LISTENING TO JOHN MACKSON (MAX AGRONOMY LLC) SHOW THE LAYERS OF DWIGHT BARTLE'S SOIL PIT. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDRA DACEY. that his goal is to see the inclusion of a canopy cover index on seed labels within the next two to five years. Dennis Pennington, the wheat systems specialist at MSU, also spoke about the differences observed between high management and conventional management of the wheat varieties involved in the trial. Day one wrapped up with a tour of Jeff Krohn's Great Lakes YEN site, located outside of Owendale, where participants discussed the differences in soil texture between their fields and Krohn's lighter, sandier soils. Krohn also showed off his specialized Pottinger seeder, which uses five-inch row spacing. DAY TWO Day two kicked off with an informative tour of the Star of the West Milling Company in Frankenmuth, which was established in 1870 and is currently the 11th largest milling company in the United States. Participants put on their hard hats and ear plugs to walk through the six floors of machinery within the mill, observing how the company takes wheat grain delivered from the field, cleans, sorts, grinds, and finally packages bags of flour that then get shipped directly to industry across the region. This particular mill grinds approximately 28,000 bushels of wheat every day, but the entire company has expanded over the years to include four other flour mills, six edible bean processing plants, 22 grain elevators, and five retail fertilizer plants. Participants then headed to farmer plots; Rich D'Arcy shared posters outlining his inputs, with corresponding dates, on his Great Lakes YEN winter wheat plot located just outside of Kingston. D'Arcy also talked about his innovative use of cover crops, noting that he applies a 10+ species mix to all of his cropped acres, sparking a great conversation about the merits of cover crop use between participants. The tour concluded with a stop at Dwight Bartle's farm outside of Brown City. Bartle had dug a fresh six-foot soil pit in one Agronomy
participants are still working to figure out what combination of inputs works best for them and their cropping system. A SECOND ANNUAL TOUR PLANNED IN 2024 The Great Lakes YEN Steering Committee was pleased to lead discussions on the continued improvement and success of the YEN program before wrapping up the tour. Overall, participants stressed that educational opportunities, such as the summer networking tour, are one of the primary benefits of participating in the Great Lakes YEN program. The Steering Committee is already excitedly planning the 2024 summer networking tour, which will take place in Ontario. More information on the Great Lakes YEN can be found by visiting www.GreatLakesYEN.com/. Alexandra Dacey is the agronomy project coordinator at Grain Farmers of Ontario. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 13 SEPTEMBER 2023 The soil pit also inspired discussion around the merits of conventional tillage versus no-till and experimentation with fungicide and fertility inputs. of his wheat fields, and participants were fortunate to hear from his agronomist, John Mackson from MAX Agronomy LLC, who discussed some of the soil pit's key findings, predominately that water movement is a critically important component of plant health as roots were evident five to six feet deep as the plants were in search of water after the severe lack of moisture over May and June. The soil pit also inspired discussion around the merits of conventional tillage versus no-till and experimentation with fungicide and fertility inputs, as many
14 AFTER THE 2023crop harvest, 2024 crop planning and goal setting begins. However, before jumping right into crop planning, take time to reflect on the 2023 crop and the previous three to five crop years. This is an important step that, if missed, could cost a grower not just extra financial expenses by paying for additional crop needs and services but also possibly a lack of anticipated yield. So, what does reflecting really mean? It means thinking deeply and carefully about something. STEPS TO FOLLOW One — use the tools and resources you had accessed during planting, throughout the growing season, and into harvest. Although yield and quality of the harvested crop are the end goal for most growers financially, the question to ask is, ‘How did I get there?’. Whether that result is good, bad, or somewhere in between, the data collected throughout the previous and past seasons are key to investigate. Examples of tools and resources that you may have relied on include: • Personally collected data: written down notes; even chicken scratch notes can be of value. • Digital platform data: pull data from platforms you may have used, such as Climate Fieldview, Trimble Ag Software or another type of digital platform. • Agronomic: ask for a review of your A look back at the season LEARN, PREPARE, GROW FOR 2024 Kelsey Banks purchases and connect those with the issues encountered and the result. • Other people you worked with throughout the season: this could be a neighbouring grower, another grower you met through social media, or someone you discussed for a solution or ideas to grow your farm business. Two — growing environments One of the top factors for quality crops is the growing environment. Reviewing and reflecting on what type of growing environments the crops were grown in over past years is a good way to know and plan for the potential growing environment of the next crop and how to manage different situations. Agronomy
ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 15 SEPTEMBER 2023 Taking time to reflect on the previous year’s growing season can be very helpful for crop planning and overall peace of mind. PLANT the WAVE Maizex offers high-performance corn, soybean, and forage seed developed for Canadian farmers by a company owned by Canadian farmers. FIELD by FIELD | maizex.com Ride the wave to higher yields. Maizex_OGF_Plant_3.46X8.865_7_23.indd 1 7/14/23 10:00 AM An example of this type of reflection is thinking about the intense heat and humidity we experienced in July (when this article was written). Was there something that was done to reduce the crop stress or ensure the crop was getting the nutrients it needed? This will be a question to discuss with your local retail agronomist or agronomist to know what will work best for you and your farm. It is important to note if the previous year’s growing conditions may have stressed the crop and possibly had an effect that resulted in lower yield and poor quality. Three — personal and agronomist scouting observations As you scouted your crops throughout the growing season, you may have noticed different weeds, non-beneficial insects, or signs of the crop that looked a bit odd. Your local retail agronomist or agronomist may have also noticed these and recommended a solution. Ask and reflect on what both you and your agronomist observed, what was recommended, what was done, and what was the result. Four — Noting the ‘should have, would have, could have’ thoughts. From pre-plant to the end of harvest, many, ‘Oh, I should have done this instead’ may have been said when dealing with a challenge at the moment. Many of these situations happen; frustration arises, then you simply move on to find the solution or walk away from it. Reflect on these moments you remember or have written down throughout the season. These can be helpful in preparing for pre-planting. CREATE A PLAN Taking time to reflect on the previous year’s growing season can be very helpful for crop planning and overall peace of mind. If you have already endured a certain challenge or success, you may know what happened to achieve that result and have a general idea of what to do and not to do. After you have finished reflecting is a great time to schedule a meeting with your local retail agronomist or agronomist to review your reflection notes. This will give you the time to create realistic agronomic and financial goals. After or during this meeting is a great time to start creating a crop plan. You can discuss what products will work best for you to reach your farm goals and the budget your retail has to work with. Also, if you start to plan early, you may get the financial benefit of the early order and possibly the bulk discount programs available. Kelsey Banks is an agronomist in eastern Ontario. l
16 An update on Grain Farmers of Ontario news and events 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The Grain Farmers of Ontario Annual General Meeting will be held on September 12, 2023, at the Craigowan Golf Club, 595838 Highway 59 N, Woodstock, from 8 a.m. – noon. A buffet breakfast and lunch will be served. The meeting will also be live-streamed. All farmer-members are invited to attend. The meeting is being held in conjunction with Canada's Outdoor Farm Show at the Discovery Farm in Woodstock, Ontario. Attendees of the AGM will receive a complimentary ticket to the show. For more information or to register, visit www.gfo.ca/agm. ANNUAL REPORT Grain Farmers of Ontario's 2023 Annual Report is available online at www.gfo.ca, or you can request a printed copy by calling the office at 1-800-265-0550. The report contains a review of Grain Farmers of Ontario's activities during the last fiscal year and the audited financial statements. Annual General Meeting attendees are encouraged to review the financial statements before attending the meeting to be prepared to ask any questions they may have. SEPTEMBER EVENTS September is a busy month for Grain Farmers of Ontario staff! Until September 4, find us at the Canadian National Exhibition Farm. Visit us at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show September 12-14 at the Discovery Farm in Woodstock, where our booth will be located at N-158 in Crop Alley, across from Maizex. You can also find us at the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, September 19 - 23. The Grains on the Go trailer will be located on the Bowling Green. And the Grain Discovery Zone will be at fairs and festivals throughout the month of September; come visit us September 1 - 3 at the Mitchell Fair, September 8 - 9 at the Warren Fair, September 15 - 17 at the Acton Fair, September 21 - 24 at the Carp fair, and September 28 - October 1 at the Ilderton Fair. WOMEN'S GRAIN SYMPOSIUM Grain Farmers of Ontario will be hosting its annual Women's Grain Symposium November 27 - 28 in Guelph. The informative and educational sessions include topics such as developing a personal strategic plan, reducing rural violence, and mastering the grain markets, plus opportunities for networking, socializing, and fun. Registration opens September 1. Space is limited, so register early! Visit www. gfo.ca/ about/womens-symposium/ for more information, to view the agenda and speaker biographies, or to register. AGRONOMY RESOURCES The Grain Farmers of Ontario agronomy team of Marty Vermey, Laura Ferrier, and Alexandra Dacey offers a number of resources for farmer-members. Visit www.gfo.ca/agronomy for information on crop management, crop performance trials, apps and guides, soil leadership, and the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network project. Grain Farmers of Ontario hosted a GrainTALK webinar in July highlighting pests and diseases to watch out for in 2023, featuring Tracey Baute and Alberta Tenuta from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Find the webinar at www.gfo.ca/GrainTALK. And did you know that Laura Ferrier, Grain Farmers of Ontario's agronomist, publishes a weekly Field Observations report during the growing season? The report is published in the weekly GrainTALK e-newsletter and at www.OntarioGrainFarmer.ca. To sign up for the weekly GrainTALk e-newsletter, visit www.gfo.ca/GrainTalk. FROM THE CHAIR A Q&A with Brendan Byrne, chair of Grain Farmers of Ontario. As we head into a new school year, how has Grain Farmers of Ontario helped ensure agriculture is a career pathway that students choose? Over the past year, we have gone above and beyond to ensure agriculture and agriculturerelated careers are promoted to students — from our work with AgScape to our Grains on the Go trailer visiting 1,700 students and showcasing the pathways agriculture careers can take you, to our inaugural year for the Grain Farmers of Ontario Legacy Fund Scholarships, to our investments in ag-related professorships at the University of Guelph We also support education and careers in agriculture through our research and innovation funding. Last year we had almost $2 million invested in 74 projects to help advance our knowledge in integrated pest management, weeds and diseases, DON, and hybrids. Steering people to a career in agriculture can be tough with all the competing industries out there, but the more we support the next generation and talk to them about our passion for what we do, the more we inspire them to join our industry and professions. I want to remind people to join us for our Annual General Meeting on September 12 at Craigowan Golf Club in Woodstock. It's a great opportunity to join discussions about the work Grain Farmers of Ontario does and bring forward any resolutions. • Do you have a question for our chair? Email GrainTALK@gfo.ca.
AGRICORP PROGRAMS TO HELP COVER LOSSES The programs Agricorp delivers are designed to help farmers cover losses. Production Insurance covers yield reductions and quality losses caused by weather, infestation, disease, or wildlife. AgriStability covers large declines in net income. The Risk Management Program covers increased costs and lower market prices. Agricorp is available to assist those who are facing weather challenges, damage to their crops, or general questions about their coverage along the way. Staff can walk farmers through their coverage options, all the way through to harvest and claims, based on each individual situation on their farm and in their fields. For more information visit agricorp.com or contact at: (Mon. to Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.); 1-888-247-4999; TTY: 1-877-275-1380; contact@agricorp.com GRAIN FARMERS OF ONTARIO ONLINE STORE Get your holiday or birthday shopping done in one place by visiting the Grain Farmers of Ontario online store. With products ranging from t-shirts, hoodies, and hats to trailer hitch cover caps, water bottles, and window stickers, there is something for everyone in your family, including infants, youths, and adults. Visit www.gfostore.ca to browse the catalogue. MARKET COMMENTARY by Philip Shaw On July 12, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) lowered their corn yield estimate to 177.5 bushels per acre. This estimate was four bushels per acre less than their previous yield estimate, but it was slightly above trade expectations. This is setting up a corn crop of 15.32 billion bushels, the largest since 2016. U.S. domestic soybean yield was kept at 52 bushels per acre by USDA. With soybean acres set at 83.5 million, total soybean production is forecast to come in at 4.3 million bushels. In Ontario, the wheat harvest is progressing with good yields. There are quality concerns, with sprouting and declining falling numbers has plagued some of the crop in Southwestern Ontario. The Canadian dollar fluttering around 75 cents U.S. continues to add stimulus to Ontario cash grain prices. QUALITY ASSESSMENTS ON GRAIN DELIVERIES As the fall harvest kicks off, Grain Farmers of Ontario would like to remind farmer-members of quality sample dispute resolution resources. The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC)'s Final Quality Determination (formerly Subject To Inspectors Grade and Dockage) service pertains only to licensed primary elevators, not terminal elevators. Please visit www.grainscanada.gc.ca for the list of CGC-licensed elevators in Ontario by classification. As the majority of elevators in Ontario are not CGC primary elevators, Grain Farmers of Ontario has developed a Code of Practice for Trade with the Ontario Agri Business Association and the Ontario Canola Growers Association. This code recommends best practices for dispute resolution for producer deliveries to country or terminal elevators. The code is available at www.gfo.ca/marketing. An additional reminder is that, under the Canada Grains Act, CGC-licensed elevators (including terminal elevators) are prohibited from receiving or discharging grains containing any injurious, noxious, or troublesome insect or animal pest. This may be a particular concern with old crop carryover that has been stored. We have received reports of the potential for increased scrutiny at the elevator level this year. To ensure deliveries are not subject to rejection, it is important to ensure bins are clean and grain protectants are employed at harvest. If you suspect an infestation in your grain and on-farm fumigation is required, members can contact a pest management service. INTRODUCING AGTALK: NEW PEER SUPPORT PLATFORM The Do More Agriculture Foundation (Do More Ag) has announced the launch of AgTalk, a peer-to-peer support platform powered by Togetherall. AgTalk is available 24/7 to those 16+ who live, work and play in the Canadian agricultural industry. The platform provides a safe and anonymous space for individuals to connect, share, and receive support from a community of peers who truly understand their unique experiences. The mental health journey is deeply personal, and everyone progresses at their own pace. AgTalk is designed to support individuals in their next steps toward improving their mental well being, allowing them to share and connect when ready. The clinically moderated environment provides our community an added layer of support and well being. To learn more about this great new resource, visit domore.ag/agtalk. 17 Discover other ways to join the GrainTALK conversation: E-News, Webinars, Podcasts, Radio, Research Days, and events. Visit www.gfo.ca/ GrainTALK. ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2023
18 WHEN IT COMES to outsourcing fieldwork, Martin VanZandwyk says hiring a professional agri-contractor is a no-brainer. Not only does he have access to the latest planting and harvesting technology, but VanZandwyk is realizing higher crop yields and saving operating costs. A Wellington County broiler, beef, and grain farmer, VanZandwyk grows 500 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. He used to manage his own fieldwork, working alongside his dad, but as his poultry and livestock responsibilities grew and field equipment breakdowns became more frequent, he quickly realized outsourcing some fieldwork made more sense. “Today, I couldn’t pencil out the cost of running my own planting and harvesting equipment,” says VanZandwyk. “At the end of the year, my financial statements show I spend more on crop inputs than on custom operating. It’s very affordable.” WORKING WITH PROFESSIONAL AGRI-CONTRACTORS The affordability of working with a professional agri-contractor comes despite rising operational costs — something that is affecting all farmers. A recent interim survey conducted by the Ontario Professional Agri-Contractors Association (OPACA) found the average custom operating rate has increased by roughly 25 per cent since the latest Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) custom rates survey was released in 2022. Mark Luymes, OPACA director, explains that while the OMAFRA survey was conducted in 2021, the rising fuel and Professional agri-contractors CUSTOM FARMING SERVICES AND RATES ARE ON THE RISE Jeanine Moyer MARTIN VANZANDWYK (LEFT) AND MARK LUYMES (RIGHT) ON VANZANDWYK’S FARM IN WELLINGTON COUNTY. PHOTO COURTESY OF OPACA. equipment prices meant the report was outof-date even before its release. “The challenge is that many farmers who hire custom operators and those who provide custom services rely on this benchmarking information to help inform and set rates,” explains Luymes, co-owner of Luymes Farms Ltd., a family run contracting business that works nearly 9,000 acres in Wellington and Perth counties, including Van Zandwyk’s. “That’s why OPACA did a ‘check in’ with members to determine more realistic rates that reflect the higher cost of doing business.” In March 2023, OPACA asked 20 members to answer many of the same questions in the OMAFRA custom rates report. While the interim survey showed rates varied by business and equipment, the results revealed that the hike in all service fees across the province is a direct result of the surge in operational costs, including fuel, labour and equipment prices. Luymes says that while the member consultation was initiated as a response to the OMAFRA report, the organization will continue to work with the Ministry to conduct regular surveys and rate reports. As expenses increase, Luymes reminds farmers to look beyond the numbers when working with a professional agri-contractor. Many contractors offer advantages of the latest technology, including row shut-offs and variable rate technology to establish uniformity and improve yield or tire inflation systems to reduce soil compaction. Contractors can also be viewed as an extension of a farm business team. All operators are trained and experienced, and many offer on-staff agronomists and mechanics to provide expert advice and service. Luymes explains many of his customers also rely on him for an extra set of eyes on their fields. And after covering thousands of acres each season, he is well-equipped to provide solutions and recommendations to help his customers Industry News
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