We’ve come through what could be called a very challenging spring in most parts of Ontario. Excessive moisture delayed planting in many parts of the province, and continued into late June which kept sprayers out of the fields many days, delaying crop protection applications.
Needless to say many crops are showing the effects of these severe climatic conditions. I’ve already heard way too many growers saying, “looks like I’m into a crop insurance claim”! Why throw in the towel so early? Sunshine and heat can turn these crops around quickly. Pull some tissue samples and see what nutrients are lacking and address the situation with ALPINE foliar products. Seasons seem to have a way of averaging themselves out and likely by December 31, 2017 will be a year with average heat units, moisture and sunlight.
Just last year when ALPINE team members participated in yield collections for the Farms.com Great Ontario Yield Tour, crops looked highly variable, with many showing very low yield potential. Moisture came in mid-August, September was beautiful and the crops turned out fairly good on average. There’s a lot of growing season left and commodity prices are at good levels so be sure to not give up on a crop that still has a good chance at giving you a respectable yield.
-Ken