Managing Fusarium Head Blight at harvest

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Fursarium Spores WheatThe less infected kernels that go into storage the better, and the greater of a chance a grower will have for not getting docked to a lower grade of wheat.

Combine tips and notes

  • Higher fan speeds are needed to blow infected kernels out the back. Ridgetown College has done studies on fan speeds, and there is a tenfold decrease in the amount of Fusarium damaged kernels in a sample when the fan speed is at maximum blast. But with that comes challenges of losing good healthy kernels.
  • Research from Ohio State showed combine fan speeds between 1375 and 1475 RPM and the shutter opening at 3.5 inches received the lowest discounts at elevators from FHB damaged wheat kernels and DON levels in the harvested grain.
  • Reduce combine speed. Having the combine traveling at a slower speed, will allow better separation between the good and bad kernels.
  • In fields which are severely affected by leaf diseases, the lower test weight of the grain may make it more difficult to separate normal kernels from Fusarium damaged kernels.

Read more

Western Bean Cutworm Larvae

Western Bean Cutworm

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Why are they a concern?

The western bean cutworm is a damaging pest in corn and dry edible beans. They can cause large yield losses and reduced grain quality.

In corn

They begin to feed on the tassels and silks until they are large enough to tunnel into the ear and feed extensively on the Read more

Environment Canada says more humidity to come for June and July

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Looking ahead to the coming months, Environment Canada meteorologists expect there will be more heat and humidity than normal.

“We’ve already had a taste this month of temperatures getting close to the 30-degree mark and humidity making it feel more like the mid 30s. That looks like the shape of things to come for June and July,” said Geoff Coulson, a warning preparedness meteorologist with Environment Canada.

Last year the usual summer heat wave to hit southern Ontario was missing in action with a lack of flow of warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, Coulson said.

This season southern Ontario has already tapped into that flow from the Gulf a couple of times with Humidex readings in many parts of Southwestern Ontario reaching the mid 30s.

Wheat leaf diseases

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What increases the risk of infection?

  • Cool temperatures.
  • Prolonged periods of wet weather.
  • Rust problems in the southern US states and Mexico could mean the same for Ontario as storm systems carry the spores north.
  • Planting susceptible varieties.Planting after another cereal or corn crop.
Percentage of wheat plant affected photo

How do I know when to apply a fungicide?

The higher the price of wheat, the more economical treatment is. In general, if trace amounts of rust, powdery mildew, or leaf spot are Read more

Branson wheat field photo

Important message about Manipulator on wheat

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Certified Branson on the premium program that is treated with “Manipulator” will no longer be eligible for the program. 

Thompsons will receive wheat treated with “Manipulator” that will only be shipped within Canada.

Thompsons Automatic Soil Sampling

Micronutrients — more important than you think

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Micronutrients are essential to plant growth and aid in achieving yields that growers need. Unlike a macronutrient such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, micronutrients are required by the plant in small amounts, but are equally as important for proper crop growth and yield. The micronutrients that are key to growth include Boron, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Chloride, and Zinc.  Read more

Thompsons Limited Announces Agreement With IGPC Ethanol Inc.

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BLENHEIM, ON (April 29, 2015)

Thompsons Limited announces an agreement with IGPC to partner for sourcing corn for 50MM gal/yr. ethanol facility for IGPC in Aylmer, Ontario effective October 1, 2015.

“Thompsons is excited to expand our originations footprint in Ontario by partnering with IGPC. We are looking forward to revolutionizing customer service with both current customers of IGPC as well as new customers. IGPC is an important piece of Ontario’s agricultural community, and we are proud to be working with them,” said Dawn Betancourt, President of Thompsons Limited.

IGPC Ethanol Inc., commenced operations in the fall of 2007. Since that time, it has used the services of Cargill Inc., to source local corn. “This change in no way reflects upon the performance of Cargill. They have been excellent partners. We are making the switch to Thompsons’ as we feel they will be able to support the strategic initiatives we will be undertaking in the future” said Jim Grey, CEO, IGPC Ethanol Inc.

Cargill will continue to serve IGPC for corn purchases and deliveries up to September 30th, 2015. Thompsons will begin purchasing corn today for October 1st, 2015 deliveries and beyond.

About Thompsons Limited

Established in 1924, Thompsons Limited is a regional leader in the agribusiness industry with 12 grain elevators, retail farm centers, seed, bean and wheat processing plants throughout Ontario.  Thompsons is active in the importing and exporting of grain, organic and specialty crops worldwide and currently conducts business in over 34 countries around the world.  For more information visit andersonscanada.com.

About IGPC Ethanol Inc.

Established in 2007, IGPC Ethanol Inc. contributes significantly to the Renewable Fuels Industry and Ontario’s Agricultural sector. By producing 170 million litres of denatured fuel grade ethanol and 170,000 tonnes of distillers’ grains, IGPC Ethanol Inc., has become a leader in Southwestern Ontario’s business community by creating environmentally sustainable economic growth. IGPC Ethanol Inc. is a division of Integrated Grain Processors Co-operative established in 2002, by a group of agribusiness individuals.  IGPC is a full service provider to local farmers offering a distribution solution for their corn crops while producing high protein feed supplement for their livestock. For more information, please visit www.igpc.ca

Media contact:

Dawn Betancourt, President, Thompsons Limited, 519-676-5411, extension 20405
or e-mail dbetancourt@thompsonslimited.com

Proper handling of treated seed goes a long way

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Farmers are well known to be excellent stewards of the land. By following recommended Best Management Practices (BMPs) when planting your insecticide-treated seed, you’re helping support both healthy crops and healthy bees. Read more

Snow mould in winter cereals

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Holly Loucas, Agronomist, DOW Agroscience

What is snow mould?

Snow moulds are cold-loving fungi that can attack many economic plants under a cover of snow.

Pathogen biology

WinterMouldChartThe important species of snow moulds that infect winter wheat are Microdochium nivale and Typhla spp.

Gray snow mould (Typhula spp) is the less damaging form of snow mould. It is able to survive throughout hot summer months as sclerotia under the ground or in plant debris.

Pink snow mould (Microdochium nivale) is usually more severe than gray snow mould. It can survive the summer months in decayed plant debris as spores or mycelium. Read more

Get the “Real Dirt on Farming”

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If you missed the Globe and Mail insert in Saturday’s paper, you can view a copy online.

The Real Dirt on Farming booklet is designed to connect you with the food you eat, and introduce you to some of Canada’s farm families. This booklet provides basic facts on topics such as the difference between growing crops conventionally and organically, pesticide use, animal housing and animal welfare, environmental sustainability, technology used in farming as well as many other subjects that you have indicated are important to you. The goal of this book is to help you make informed decisions about the food you’re serving your family.

How is your food grown? Get The Real Dirt on Farming and learn from the farmers themselves how and why they want to feed us–locally and the world.

Speaking of dirt, get the dirt on field crops.

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