ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 31 AGRONOMY continued on page 32 For Rivard, the latter point reflects a key capability drones provide: the ability to distribute cover crops at virtually any point in the growing season. “We can broadcast straight into standing crops,” says Rivard. On his own farm, he adds, they have also had success seeding cover crops while harvesting, with residue from the combine providing effective seed cover. CASE STUDIES Rivard highlighted several approaches with which he and his Drone Spray Canada colleagues have had success. While early frost seeding is the conventional approach, Rivard says they have observed later seeding to be quite effective, even well into April, as spring mud and rain provide better immediate seed-to-soil contact. For this reason, he encourages operators and customers to be patient, rather than rushing to apply seed under adverse conditions where poor coverage is a greater risk. “We’ve had years where you can hardly keep the drone straight in the air, and people want me to go out and spread seed,” says Rivard. Clover into winter wheat at 10 pounds per acre, timing anywhere between February and April. 1 Oats into soybeans at 50 pounds per acre, timing application between leaf yellowing and brown stem. 2 Rivard says this approach has helped give the oats enough time to create a good mat on the soil surface, while leaving the farmer confident they will not have to manage spring growth. At least that is the hope, Rivard says, as mild winters in Ontario’s “banana belt” can sometimes allow oats to overwinter successfully. “Success is still all about the rains. If you have a bone-dry fall, nothing is going to germinate,” he says. Rye into corn, at 50 pounds per acre, timing application around mid-August. 3 In this example, Rivard and other attendees cautioned against applying rye too early if there is a threat of herbicide carryover. While the rye can have a slow start, a good catch is likely to show vigorous growth in spring. f CORRECTION OF THE SOIL’S pH f SUPPLIES POTASSIUM f ECONOMICAL www.agro-100.com YOUR pH CORRECTION, WITH ADDED POTASSIUM. SAVE A DIME, CHOOSE KALIME. agro_KaLime_OGF_demiV_02.indd 1 2026-07-15 10:39
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