Southwestern and Eastern Ontario, [September 10, 2024] — Great Lakes Grain, in partnership with AGRIS Co-op, Central Ontario FS, Coop Embrun, and other FS Member Co-ops, proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 15th Annual Great Lakes Grain Crop Assessment Tour. This year’s tour, spanning multiple counties across Southwestern and Eastern Ontario, provided crucial insights into the state of corn and soybean crops while highlighting both advancements and challenges in agriculture.
Over the course of the tour, agronomists, grain originators, farmers, and industry experts assessed more than 800 fields to gather first-hand knowledge of crop health, pest pressures, weather impacts, and new farming technologies. The tour focused on evaluating corn and soybean yields and the adoption of emerging technologies like precision agriculture and sustainable farming practices.
KEY FINDINGS:
Corn: Despite a challenging spring and excessive moisture throughout the growing season, the outlook for corn remains promising. Many fields showed solid counts, but most of this year’s crop will require a favorable September to reach maturity.
Soybeans: Soybean fields presented more variability in yields, with persistent rains during planting contributing to root rot, Sudden Death Syndrome, and white mold in some areas. However, many fields remain on track for a strong finish.
Emerging Technologies: The tour highlighted the use of precision agriculture, including variable-rate planting and plant health monitoring through satellite imagery, to maximize yield while minimizing environmental impact.
For a detailed overview of the 2024 Crop Assessment Tour and its findings, please visit the full report.
As harvest approaches, Great Lakes Grain will continue to monitor crop development and collaborate with producers to execute comprehensive farm plans. Given the unpredictable nature of grain marketing conditions, the Great Lakes Grain team encourages farmers to develop a marketing plan for each crop and year. Farmers can connect with their local Great Lakes Grain originator for support in creating or refining their marketing strategies.