Corn Showing Exceptional Yield Potential
Corn conditions varied considerably across the province, but many regions showed excellent yield potential.
Strong plant populations and pollination were common observations, with heavy cobs and good kernel counts reported throughout much of the tour area. Some of the strongest corn was observed in Eastern Ontario while southwestern Ontario experienced more variability due to drought, heat and uneven rainfall.
One of the most notable observations this year was the crop's advanced maturity. When the assessment began, approximately 74% of the corn fields assessed were already at the dent stage—considerably more advanced than normally expected at this point in the season.
The crop's rapid maturity has been associated with some seasonal stress, and final kernel weight will be an important factor in determining where yields ultimately finish.
“The number of kernels produced is a major driver of yield, but kernel weight will ultimately determine the final yield,” said Dale Cowan, Agronomy Strategy Manager, Senior Agronomist.
Despite those considerations, the assessment data indicates that Ontario's 2026 corn crop has the potential to challenge the provincial record established in 2021.
Soybeans Could Set a New Provincial Record
Soybeans may be the biggest story of the 2026 crop.
Across much of Ontario, the tour found strong pod counts, healthy canopies and good seed development. Many regions are reporting soybean crops that are well above average, with particularly strong observations across southwestern, central and eastern Ontario.
White mold was the most observed soybean disease, with sudden death syndrome and other diseases appearing in isolated areas. Despite this pressure, overall soybean yield potential remains very strong.
Soybean maturity has also advanced rapidly this year. While accelerated maturity can sometimes be an indication of crop stress, the combination of strong pod counts, and good seed size has the crop positioned for potentially exceptional yields.
If the crop finishes properly, the 2026 Ontario soybean crop could surpass the current provincial yield record established in 2024.
A Crop That May Surprise Us
This year's crop tour was particularly interesting because the crop doesn't necessarily feel like a record crop. Across the province, we saw plenty of variability, including areas affected by drought, excessive rainfall, heat stress and significant storm damage.
But the data is telling us a different story.
When the field observations and yield assessments are put together, the numbers point to the possibility of one of Ontario's strongest crops on record.
Corn has the potential to rival the 2021 record, while soybeans could potentially establish a new provincial record.
That makes the 2026 crop particularly interesting. It may not look or feel like a record crop in the field, but the measured data is showing tremendous yield potential.
There are still important variables between now and the final yield. Corn kernel weight, soybean seed size, crop maturity and weather through harvest will all play a role. The September 2 storm in parts of Huron and Perth is also a reminder that significant weather events can quickly change the outlook for individual areas.
Overall, however, Ontario's crops are entering harvest with exceptional potential.
If the weather cooperates and these crops finish as expected, 2026 could become a significant year in Ontario agriculture.
The Great Lakes Grain team would like to thank the producers and industry partners who contributed to the 17th annual assessment.
About the Great Lakes Grain Crop Assessment Tour
The Great Lakes Grain Crop Assessment Tour is an annual field-based assessment of Ontario's corn and soybean crops. Now in its 17th year, the tour brings together experienced grain and agronomy professionals to evaluate crop conditions, yield potential, maturity, disease and insect pressure, and regional differences ahead of harvest.