Wet spring weather across Ontario has some corn growers considering whether it’s time to switch up hybrids and plant shorter-season corn hybrids.
In eastern Ontario, Pioneer Seeds Canada agronomist Paul Hermans is one of the many agronomists fielding calls from growers seeking insight on when to make a change. Planting progress varies from 15 per cent in the eastern part of the province and Quebec to up to 40 per cent in parts of southwestern Ontario.
Hermans said this was an emotional time for many growers, who were struggling with wet cropping conditions, and acknowledged that some farmers were unable to get their wheels turning due to the frequent rains. . But as the calendar moves past mid-May, growers in areas with short seasons and heavy rain-soaked soils are starting to consider their options.
In these areas, Hermans says it’s important to look at the data, not just the recommended changeover date. Based on available hybrid research, Herman’s recommends that growers in the eastern part of the state “hold their currently grown varieties from May 20 to May 25.”
Provincial research trials show corn in most of Ontario can maintain 95 per cent of its yield potential if planted by May 25. Switching to shorter season hybrids is not recommended from May 15th to May 20th in areas below 2800 CHU and from May 20th to May 25th in areas between 2800 CHU and 3200 CHU. From May 30 to early June in areas with more than 3,200 CHU. The general recommendation is to reduce hybrids by 100 CHU weekly after these late planting dates.
In an interview with RealAg Radio host Lindsey Smith, Hermans said farmers also need to consider their risk profile and the acres they need to cover when deciding to make the switch. (Story continues below player)
How much yield loss can growers face if they switch to shorter-season corn? Hermans says any good agronomist will tell you it depends on a variety of factors, including hybridization and reduced heat units. It says that it will be. He predicts yields will drop from 2,800 CHU to 2,700 CHU, in the 5-8 bushel range.
Producers may lose some bushels to reduced heat, but Herman’s emphasizes patience and how sitting tight can pay yield dividends at the end of the season. . He points out that there is data showing that even when growers have the best timing to plant, they only get 2 to 5 percent of their yield. However, if the plants germinate evenly, it can increase by 5-10%.
“I’d rather make sure that we’re doing a good job, that we’re having a good appearance, and that we’re not fudging it,” Hermans says. “You can lose far more by doing so than by reducing the heat content of the corn.”
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