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Ontario’s corn harvest update

Ontario’s corn harvest update

Farmers in the province are dealing with high-moisture and frost-damaged corn this season 

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Combines are starting to roll in some Ontario corn fields.

“In Kent County, a lot’s been done in the last couple days – I’d say close to 25 per cent of the crop,” Matt Chapple, a market development agronomist with Pride Seeds, told Farms.com. “Anybody with his or her own dryer is picking away at it. The corn crop is high moisture, (so farmers) are trying not to take it off too early if they don’t have to.”

High moisture is the story in the eastern part of the province as well. Farmers have harvested only 5 per cent of the corn in his region, estimated Paul Sullivan, agronomist and owner of P.T. Sullivan Agro Inc. based near Ottawa. “Harvest has been going for close to two weeks but not too much is off. Moistures are still very high,” he told Farms.com.

A wet spring, late planting, and early frosts have compounded harvest challenges. “In some cases, (corn) was planted into June 10 or 12, and a lot of it got frosted off early,” Chapple said.

These growing conditions have led to a “generally low bushel weight,” Sullivan explained. Test weight “does seem to be coming up when the corn is dried slowly, so growers who have their own dryers can take it off, dry it slowly, and move (test weight) up. But, if you’re taking the corn to an elevator, bushel weights are low.” 

In some parts of the province, farmers have not been able to harvest corn at all.

“We haven’t done much corn harvest. I’m based in Dundalk. Really nobody’s combining, it’s too wet. The fields are muddy. We’re in a holding pattern until the fields freeze or the corn dries a bit,” Deb Campbell, agronomist and owner of Agronomy Advantage, told Farms.com. “More producers than normal are considering leaving the corn out over winter and looking at that March/April (harvest) window.”

But farmers must weigh multiple factors when making their decisions about harvest timing.

Farmers are “concerned about getting the corn as dry as they can,” Chapple said. “Patience is going to pay but, at the same point, we really have to assess our stalk integrity.”

Sullivan had similar advice. “Find out what you have,” he said. “See how standability is by assessing stalks, see what the moistures are at, and see what bushel weight is at. That (information) helps to know what you have ahead of you,” he said.

For some producers, finishing soybean harvest is a priority before focusing on corn.

“In parts of eastern Ontario, there’s still 20 per cent of soybeans to come off. So, that’s the bigger concern,” Sullivan said.

The same is true in parts of western Ontario. “Unfortunately, in Essex, Lambton and even parts of Middlesex, guys are still trying to finish up beans,” Chapple said.

CNH Industrial photo


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Agricultural Market Update: Grain Prices, Crop Conditions, and Weather Impacts

Welcome back to our channel where we provide comprehensive updates on the latest trends and changes in the agricultural sector. This week, we're looking at significant movements in grain prices, crop conditions, and the effects of weather patterns. Let's dive into the details:

Grain Price Decline Grain prices have fallen to their lowest levels since 2020, with December corn down 4.3% and November soybeans losing 3.1%. This decline is partly due to the beneficial moisture brought by Hurricane Beryl to the Midwest, which has improved crop conditions significantly. The USDA reported that corn and soybean crops are in their best condition in four years, contributing to the downward pressure on prices.

Record Short Positions and Market Sentiment Fund traders have increased their net short positions in the corn market to a record level, with a net short of 347,000 contracts of corn. This reflects a bearish sentiment in the market, further influencing grain price dynamics. Similar selling trends were observed in soybeans and SRW wheat, indicating broad market caution.

Weather Impact and Forecast Hurricane Beryl has brought significant rainfall across Arkansas, Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois, with more expected over Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana in the coming days. Despite this, the market is currently more focused on the moisture benefits rather than potential heat risks forecasted in the 6-10 and 8-14 day periods.

US Crop Conditions Corn and soybean conditions have shown slight improvements last week, with corn rated 68% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. These are among the best ratings for this time of year since 2020, suggesting robust crop health that could continue to influence grain prices.

Winter Wheat Harvest and Spring Wheat Conditions The US winter wheat harvest is progressing well, ahead of schedule with significant portions already harvested in Kansas and Texas. Spring wheat conditions are also favorable, with 75% rated good to excellent, although there have been some declines in states like Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington. Brazil's Corn Harvest and US Exports Brazil's second corn crop harvest is advancing rapidly due to favorable hot and dry conditions, with 63% of the crop already harvested. Meanwhile, US corn shipments saw a substantial increase last week, indicating strong export demand, which contrasts with the recent drop in domestic grain prices.

Ongoing Developments Lastly, the USDA reported a flash sale of corn, with significant quantities sold to unknown destinations, scheduled for delivery over the next two marketing years. This could signal ongoing international demand for US corn despite lower prices.

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