Wednesday, April 28, 2021

AGRONOMY WEEKLY NEWS
This new weekly e-newsletter will be delivered to your inbox every Wednesday afternoon. It will focus on local agronomy news in and around our Wanstead branch locations. Information you'll receive comes from our Wanstead crop sales advisors.

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Planting
Farmers in Lambton and Middlesex counties have now started planting. We are mostly seeing corn going in the ground so far, but the odd person has started planting soybeans. Conditions for planting are really great, especially considering the calendar has not even turned to May yet.  
Soil
Soil temperature is at a moderate 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. That is slightly cool, but it is hard to complain about the temperature given the current weather conditions. Considering we normally get April showers; we have been fairly dry. There is still good moisture on the heavier ground, but some lighter soils are drying out. 
Wheat
The winter wheat crop could use a rain. The crop is growing astronomically fast, with much of the local crop currently performing in the GS32-34 growth stages, depending on the planting date. We are now finishing up the 2nd passes of 28%, and are close to starting application of herbicide and fungicide. We did see some damage on the wheat from herbicides or fungicides that were applied during colder weather, but the wheat is expected to advance and bounce back.

It is important to get out to your wheat fields and scout for emerging weeds. Bradey took the picture below as she was out scouting fields this week. The weeds may be small now, but it is important to keep them under control to get the best yield from your field. Our agronomists have also been seeing some rust in the wheat, resulting in them recommending a fungicide application for the wheat. At the current price of wheat, you should consider taking extra precautions on your field to maximize your yields, and therefore your profits.  
Fertilizer
Tons of fertilizer is moving out of our branches. The ground is more than fit to spread fertilizer, and we are seeing lots of P and K being spread on soybean ground, as well as fertilizer for corn ground. 
Chemical
Our staff is still working on putting together chemical orders. If you want to decrease your trips to the co-op, and store your chemical on farm, let us know and we can set up a pickup!
Spraying
We have not been seeing much burn down on corn and soybean ground yet (or encouraging it) due to cold overnight temperatures. Friday is projected to have a low of 0 Celsius, but the rest of the weekend forecast is looking warmer and more favorable for spraying. 
Seed
We are busy getting seed out to customers-both bagged and bulk! If you would like to arrange a pickup or delivery, please give us a call at our Wanstead or Alvinston branches!
What are our agronomists up to?
Jason, Bradey, and Darrin have been busy scouting fields, primarily wheat fields right now to check for weeds and fungus. They will soon be checking out corn and soybean fields to help recommend chemical needed for burndown. If you would like their expertise on anything, please give them a ring on their cells! 

Bradey: 519-312-7767
Jason: 519-330-9746
Darrin: 519-330-9812