Competitive Production Handling

Table of Contents

1. Forage Focus Conferences
2. Ginseng Fertigation
3. Ontario Apple Cultivar and Advanced Selection Trials
4. Orchard Network Newsletter
5. Publication on Sugar Bush Health and Productivity
6. New Publication on Plastic Tubing Systems in Sugar Bushes
7. Weekly Conference Calls with Consultants
8. Certified Crop Advisor Program
9. Grow Organic!
10. Pub 371 - Growing Greenhouse Vegetables
11. Nitrogen Rates on Hard Red Spring Wheat
12. Advancing No-till Soybean Production
13. Corn Nitrogen Calculator
14. Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day
15. Increasing the Value of Ontario Grown Apples Using Particle Films
16. Eastern Ontario Crop Conference - February 23, 2006
17. 2006 Southwest Agricultural Conference
18. Grassy Weed ID Guide
19. Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention 2006
20. Strip Till in Heavy Textured Soils
21. Establishment and Production Costs for Grapes in Ontario - 2005 Economic Report
22. Evaluating Crop Response to Wind Machines
23. Providing Leading Edge Production Information
    

Forage Focus Conferences

OMAFRA partnered with the Ontario Forage Council (OFC), Dairy Farmers of Ontario and agri-business to organize two one-day Forage Focus Conferences. Approximately 400 producers attended the conferences held in Shakespeare and Napanee. This event primarily targets leading-edge dairy producers.

Much of the information presented was published by the farm media, therefore available to a significant portion of the industry. The evaluation survey indicated a very favourable response and a desire for more forage conferences.

As a result of attending the conference, Ontario forage producers are more capable of responding to forage agronomy issues, such as winterkill, potato leafhopper, and low yields due to dry weather. This helps to ensure adequate forage quality and supply to meet the demands of the industry. Dairy producers acquired the knowledge to use forage quality management to achieve desired milk fat:SNF ratios to respond to changing market (quota) demands. Forage producers are more knowledgeable of new forage harvest and storage technologies to increase capacity, lower cost-of-production, and improve their competitive position.

Ginseng Fertigation

The overall objective of the Ginseng Fertigation project is to determine what nitrogen source is best for ginseng fertigation and what rate of nitrogen is optimum. The project began in 2004 and will conclude in 2006. The key players in the project are the Ontario Ginseng Growers Association, University of Guelph, OMAFRA, and the grower-cooperator.

The trial was established at a grower's garden in year 1 (2004). Three rates of nitrogen and three different types of nitrogen were applied and compared to "normal" practices, to additional phosphorus and to no nitrogen. Soil moisture and water distribution data was collected.

To date the trial has shown that the nitrogen needs of ginseng are minimal. This is a major accomplishment in itself. Growers tend to apply high amounts of nitrogen to ginseng. The final collection year should give us information on root quality as well as root weight.

As a result of this project, it has been determined that drip irrigation is suitable for Ontario ginseng. The amount of nitrogen required by ginseng is small in comparison to other crops. Nitrogen is not lost through the soil as much as we suspected.

There are about 25 per cent of the growers now using fertigation and many more considering use. There is no other reliable data for growers to use to make decisions about nitrogen rates.

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Ontario Apple Cultivar and Advanced Selection Trials

This project is designed to screen over 50 cultivars and selections with potential to add value to the Ontario apple crop by introducing new and more desirable cultivars to the current recommended mix. There are eight trial sites across Ontario in various climatically distinct regions.

Based on the results of these sites, there is confidence in cultivars like Ambrosia, Honeycrisp, Pioneer, Mac, Silken, Cameo and Ginger Gold. Data is now available on bloom, disease resistance, growth habit, fruiting habit, yield potential, storage ability, thinning requirements, consumer acceptance, hardiness and adaptability.

OMAFRA staff worked with the Apple Growers of Ontario, Ontario Fruit Testing Association, and co-operating growers in the selection of the plant materials present in these trials.

This project is an excellent example of grower co-operation and in-kind contribution by the industry. An added benefit has been industry leadership development. Unlike the testing of cultivars at one location or public institution, this trial has put the onus on the stakeholder to make decisions from what they see under their growing conditions. Ontario's future mix of cultivars has been largely influenced by these plantings.

Orchard Network Newsletter

Orchard Network Newsletter is prepared by Crop Technology Branch (OMAFRA). It is published four times per year and is distributed through the Apple Growers of Ontario to 330 growers. It is copied in full colour to illustrate the many graphs and photos that are in the newsletter. The newsletter is also available on the OMAFRA website and has 153 on-line subscribers.

Between 70 and 80 pages of original leading edge information is published on an annual basis. Much of the content is based on Ontario research and trial results on orchard management, crop protection and post harvest technology.

All contributors are involved with specialized fields or research and investigation dealing with the advancement of the science of pomology and its related fields. Most of the contributions to the newsletter are from Crop Technology Branch staff.

This newsletter is a unique resource for Ontario's apple industry. Most commercial growers bind the issues and retain the information for quick reference. Informed growers are better equipped to remain competitive and productive as a result of having access to this leading edge information.

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"It's probably one of the best newsletters available in Ontario for informing fruit growers on upcoming management decisions. I think you're hitting the target audience at exactly the right time for making decisions."
- Brian VanBrenk
Ontario Apple Grower and Nurseryman

"The Orchard Network Newsletter published by OMAFRA is an important and vital tool to Ontario apple growers when managing their orchards. Ontario apple growers have informed their Board that grower education and technology transfer is important to them."
- Adrian Huisman
Manager of the Ontario Apple Growers

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Publication on Sugar Bush Health and Productivity

The purpose of this project was to develop a comprehensive best practices technical guideline for maintaining the health and productivity of Ontario's sugar bushes. The overall objective was to prepare a high-quality reference focusing on the application of best practices which will help maintain or enhance the health and productivity of sugar bushes in both the short and long term.

A comprehensive publication entitled A Guide to Improving and Maintaining Sugar Bush Health and Productivity is nearing completion. OMAFRA's Agroforestry Specialist served as project leader for the initiation and development of the guideline and is a co-author. Partners who supported the publication with financial or technical resources include the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers' Association, the Ontario Woodlot Association, Eastern Ontario Model Forest, Natural Resources Canada , INFOR Inc (New Brunswick) and the Agricultural Adaptation Council.

The full-colour publication places a stronger accent on maintaining the health of the sugar bush than in previous publications. This reflects increased concern about the long-term health of sugar bushes.

This publication is expected to be very well received by maple producers, resource managers, forestry consultants and others who are involved in developing management plans and planning operational activities in sugar bushes.

It is believed that the availability of this guideline in Ontario will encourage more maple producers to manage their sugar bushes sustainably. Over time, more producers should adopt a woodlands stewardship ethic and apply it to their sugar bushes and adjoining farm woodlands. This trend will build on earlier progress achieved since the 1975 guideline was published.

New Publication on Plastic Tubing Systems in Sugar Bushes

Maple publication

The intent of this project was to develop a comprehensive technical guideline for maple syrup producers, sap collection system installers, educators and others focusing on the design, installation and maintenance of modern maple tubing installations in sugar bushes. The purpose is to improve the performance of sap collection systems and assist with the production of greater yields of high quality sap for processing.

In addition to the technical reference, the content of the publication may be transferred to maple producers and others through a variety of educational forums such as seminars and conferences.

As a result of this project, a comprehensive technical guideline entitled Design, Installation and Maintenance of Plastic Tubing Systems for Sap Collection in Sugar Bushes was produced. This publication includes the latest developments in plastic tubing technology for sap collection, as well as a number of profiles of operations from experienced maple producers.

The availability of this publication should encourage more maple producers to upgrade their sap collection systems due to the potential for greater yields of high-quality maple sap. Over time, they should be an improved awareness regarding the importance of proper design, installation and maintenance of sap collection systems to productivity and the continued economical viability of the maple enterprise.

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Weekly Conference Calls with Consultants

In order to build and maintain an effective working relationship with the private consultants that provide services to the Ontario apple industry, conference calls were held on a weekly basis from April through September. Crop phenology, new pesticide registrations, pest problems, and ongoing research were discussed during the conference calls. Guest speakers from chemical companies and government researchers were invited to give consultants important information that they could provide to their clients in return.

These calls provide OMAFRA staff with current updates on the crop conditions in the province which assists Crop Technology staff in providing information and resources that growers need in a very timely fashion. These calls also provide an information channel from OMAFRA to consultants who relay this information to clients enabling Crop Technology to disseminate information very efficiently and effectively.

Certified Crop Advisor Program

The Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Program is a voluntary program for crop advisers. The program has standards for knowledge, experience, ethical conduct and continuing education and attempts to enhance professionalism in the industry. OMAFRA's involvement stems from participation as members on the Board. In this role staff is able to provide advice and assist crop advisers in maintaining or improving the excellent program currently in place. The long-term goal of the program is to have as many crop advisers involved in the program as possible and to have those advisers provide a high level of service to their clients.

The program currently has just under 500 CCAs. A successful conference was held in January and attended by approximately 200 CCAs. The Board has been successful in improving the profile of the program and recognition of the CCA name and logo through articles in the press, displays and sticker campaigns.

Grow Organic!

Organic crop production is a profitable opportunity for Ontario farmers and shows good potential for the future. Acreage appears to be growing at 15-20 per cent per year for organic soybeans, corn, wheat and spelt. Existing organic farmers are expanding. The number of organic farmers shows a slight growth. Markets are strong for organic grain and livestock sectors. There is an expanding toolbox of biopesticides and low risk products for use in fruits and vegetables.

The OMAFRA website (www.omafra.gov.on.ca/crops) presents our latest updates including draft crop budgets for organic soybeans, corn, wheat and spelt, factsheets on composting basics, pathogen reduction and OMAFRA services to the organic sector.

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Pub 371 - Growing Greenhouse Vegetables

A major revision of Growing Greenhouse Vegetables, Publication 371, was completed in 2005. This publication provides up-to-date technical information on production and pest management to Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers. Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers purchased and distributed copies to greenhouse vegetable growers (approximately 255) in Ontario.

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The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers purchased copies of Pub 371 for our growers so that they would have the most up-to-date, accurate and
technologically advanced information."
---- Kristen Callow, Manager
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers

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Nitrogen Rates on Hard Red Spring Wheat

The purpose of this project was to look at the optimum nitrogen rate on hard red spring wheat for yield and protein, while minimizing the potential loss of nitrogen in the form of NO2 gases which can contribute to greenhouse gases. With the new higher yielding varieties, the current nitrogen recommendation may not be optimizing yield and /or achieving the protein level required obtaining the full protein premium.

The year 2005 was the final year of a three-year project. The average most economical rate of nitrogen (MERN) over the three years was 100 kg per hectare. Given the higher nitrogen prices in 2005 and 2006, the MERN would be about 90 kg per hectare. Field with a recent history of livestock and/or forage legumes should decrease the nitrogen rate by 20 kg per hectare. At all sites, the MERN for yield provided enough nitrogen to obtain the maximum current market protein premium of 12.5 per cent.

The year-end project report was printed in the 2005 Field Crop Advances publication and is also available on the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) website, and was presented at several local OSCIA meetings.

Awareness of this project was good as several growers have made comments about the project results.

OMAFRA, Kemptville College - University of Guelph, the Ottawa-Rideau Regional and Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Associations and GHG Mitigation Program were key players in this project.

This project will provide information to growers to assist them in making good crop management decisions to make them productive and competitive in the industry.

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Advancing No-till Soybean Production

This three-year field study (2003-05) was designed to evaluate the potential of shatter tillage to increase yields in a no-till soybean production system. No-till production has been adopted on approximately 50 per cent of Ontario soybean acres. However, some growers reported lower yields (lower economic returns) in a no-till system and are returning to conventional tillage. A low level of pre-tillage prior to planting may improve the seedbed and increase yields, while preserving the environmental and economic benefits of a no-till system.

A newly designed tillage tool called the Residue Tillage Specialist (RTS) was used in this project to evaluate the potential benefits of shatter tillage. This study also assessed the value of attaching coulters to a no-till seed drill for soybean planting. John Deere drills are not equipped with standard coulters. Some producers have reported increased yields when operating a coulter cart on their no-till drill.

Operating the RTS one to three days prior to planting showed a statistical yield advantage of 1.8 bu/ac across all the trials for the duration of the project (40 field trials over three years). This improvement represents a 4.0 per cent yield increase compared to the straight no-till system.

Operating coulters attached to the John Deere drill deeper than planting (9 cm [3.5 inches]) also resulted in a statistical yield advantage. Coulters operated at this depth resulted in a 0.9 bu/ac advantage over the straight no-till operation.

This study suggests that the 1-3 bu/ac yield difference between conventional tillage and no-till can largely be captured by a single one-pass springtime pre-tillage operation. Operating coulters on a John Deere drill at planting time can also increase yields.

These results were presented at various agricultural conferences, workshops and meetings (2000 participants in total). Articles were also written for various magazines which were distributed to over 22,000 soybean growers in Ontario.

Corn Nitrogen Calculator

Matching nitrogen application on the corn crop to the crop needs will maximize economic returns for Ontario farmers while minimizing environmental impact. OMAFRA staff developed a unique tool so growers could use and understand the new general nitrogen recommendations for corn. Encouraging more growers to follow the revised general nitrogen recommendations will improve the economic returns from corn production, and reduce the potential for nitrate contamination of groundwater and greenhouse gas emissions.

The results of this project were increased awareness of proper nitrogen management in corn and the development of tools that growers and agronomists can use to aid in determining nitrogen rates. The eventual outcome of the project should be a reduction in the over-application of nitrogen fertilizer and manure to corn acres in Ontario, as more growers become aware of the new recommendations. An offshoot of the Corn Nitrogen Calculator is the development of a pilot project to protect growers against loss in net income from using recommended rates of nitrogen fertilizer, in cooperation with Agricorp and the Ontario Corn Producers' Association.

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Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day

The Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day is designed specifically to improve the problem solving skills of seed, fertilizer and chemical industry personnel and agricultural consultants. It is targeted to growers and agri-business personnel to provide "hands-on" learning experiences to assist in the correct identification and treatment of crop problems common to eastern Ontario.

Over 200 agri-business and growers attended the 2005 Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day. Participants were divided into groups of about 20 and rotated around the eleven half-hour stops during the day. Topics included Herbicide Injury, Herbicide Glyphosate Drift on Group-2 Treated Crops, Forage Insect/Diseases, Weed ID, Soybean Aphids, Soybean Foliar Diseases, Diagnostic Challenge I, Diagnostic Challenge II, Maximizing the Economics of Manure, Fungicide and Insecticide Application Technology and Soybean Physiology.

Over 98 per cent of the participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the Eastern Ontario Crop Diagnostic Day.

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Participants' comments:
"Speakers were enthusiastic."
"Very, very professional."
"The event ran very smoothly."
"Great job."
"Very good variety of topics."
"Will be back next year."
"Excellent experts on each topic."

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Increasing the Value of Ontario Grown Apples Using Particle Films

Particle film provides a protective barrier on plants preventing insect damage while enhancing fruit colouring and finish, preventing sun damage and reducing heat stress. This project is examining and quantifying the effects of using particle film technology on the growth and development of Ontario-grown apples.

A rate of return on added investment of up to 1366 per cent has been demonstrated on a commercial scale using the "Golden Delicious" cultivar by using particle film technology in combination with a commonly applied plant growth regulator. This treatment was directly compared to a standard treatment that included an IPM program and a good thinning program in the absence of irrigation.

This is a collaborative project between OMAFRA's Apple Team, Lambton-Middlesex Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association, Birnam Orchards, Crunican Apples, Engage Agro, and Algoma Orchards.

The introduction of this new technology can be a cost effective alternative to existing production methods for the Ontario apple crop, while enabling Ontario apple producers to be competitive and productive.

Eastern Ontario Crop Conference - February 23, 2006

The Eastern Ontario Crop Conference is a co-operative effort between the OMAFRA and the Eastern Ontario Crop Advisory Committee. This annual one-day conference is held the third week of February in Kemptville at Kemptville College, University of Guelph.

The program is designed to provide growers and agri-business personnel with the latest in-depth crop management information. Participants can select to participate in up to eight sessions from approximately 25, presented concurrently throughout the day. This allows participants to select topics of importance to them. Certified Crop Advisor credits are available for most sessions. Approximately 250 participants attended the conference.

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Participant comments:
"Once again - a very informative day."
"Very long day but very well organized."
"Very good day."
"Good variety of topics."
"Good topics covered this year. Hard to go to them all."
"All good speakers."
"As usual addressing current issues in agriculture."

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2006 Southwest Agricultural Conference

Attendance at the 2006 Southwest Agricultural Conference (SWAC) held in January reached near record levels (998 registered for Day 1 and 852 registered for Day 2). This conference continues to grow and attract new participants while retaining a loyal following.

The SWAC program attracts a large number of Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) looking for continuing education credits necessary for their continued membership. Provincial agribusiness places significant value on the information presented at the conference both as training for their own staff and as an information source for their clientele. The agribusiness tradeshow area at SWAC has a waiting list each year.

The conference is responsive to the changing needs of agriculture. In 2005 there was a concerted effort to encourage advances in marketing knowledge among producers. The 2006 conference built on this with further topics on marketing and commodity trends and issues. It featured an emphasis on alternate crop opportunities and cash flow streams, and on fine tuning business
management.

The program also has the potential to influence the wider agricultural audience through media coverage. More than 22 print media articles, numerous radio interviews and several television spots have been reported from the 2006 SWAC. The Ontario Farmer featured more than 12 articles covering various topics from the conference. In some cases it has been obvious that a conference topic has encouraged a writer to do further research on a topic, then follow this up with further in-depth discussion in a subsequent article. This further disseminates the valuable information from the conference to the provincial agricultural community.

The Southwest Agricultural Conference continues to be generously supported by the regional soil and crop organizations, agribusiness, the University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus and OMAFRA.

Conference attendees learn practical concepts that can be implemented on their farms to improve their competitiveness and productivity.

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Participant comments:

"If you farm you should be here."

"A wide range of agronomic topics that are timely have the greatest effect to me. Well organized, great job!"

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Grassy Weed ID Guide

Grassy weeds are harder to identify in the field than broadleaf weeds, and are also highly selective when it comes to herbicide sensitivity. Correctly identifying grassy weed species is critical to designing an effective weed control program. Economic threshold levels for grassy weeds have been identified through long term studies at the University of Guelph. Adoption of economic threshold levels result in reduced herbicide use.

A field pocket guide to grassy weeds was developed to assist producers and agronomists with information on economic thresholds and tips for quick weed identification. Copies of the ID guide were distributed (20,000 English and 6,000 French).

This 28-page, full colour pocket guide provides all the necessary information to correctly identify the most common grassy weeds found in Ontario field crops including:

• yield loss estimates of each grass species so that producers can determine their economic action level
  
• close-up photos to clearly identify various plant parts
  
• clues to help distinguish one grass species from a similar looking species

OMAFRA and the University of Guelph provided the content of this resource.

AdFarm and Bayer Crop Science provided the financial resources for production and distribution of this resource.

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Reader comments:

"The best grassy weed guide that I have used."

"The best pictures of grasses I've ever seen."

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Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention 2006

Over 1200 horticultural producers and marketers, industry representatives and invited speakers attended the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention held at Brock University in February. The conference is delivered jointly by Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association, Farmers' Markets Ontario, the Niagara Peninsula Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association, Allied Trades, OMAFRA and Hort Crops Ontario, with the generous support of many industry sponsors.

Over 139 speakers (leading edge Ontario producers, as well as researchers and extension staff from Ontario and across North America) presented topics of interest to Ontario producers. The sessions were well attended and highly rated. The trade show was well received and saw some 150 organizations from throughout North America present their products and services.

Horticultural producers attending the conference received leading edge information and technologies, enabling them to remain competitive and productive.

Strip Till in Heavy Textured Soils

Given the present situation of production and productivity on the soils of the Golden Horseshoe Region of Ontario, this project was conducted to evaluate the following objectives:

• Compare strip tillage systems to conventional and/or no-till systems for suitability of corn production on clay soils.
  
• Evaluating nitrogen application timing and rates in strip till systems on clay soils to increase nitrogen use efficiency and reduce potential N2O emissions.

Strip tillage systems appear to perform at or almost at the level of conventional systems for corn production on heavier textured soils and the costs associated with their use are likely significantly lower (economic analysis still pending). This would improve crop rotation opportunities, reduce costs and environmental impact of tillage for corn production among other benefits. More acres of corn could likely be planted with this system since spring tillage is not required for seed bed preparation and strip till berms should be planter ready before or when conventional tillage systems are ready to begin spring cultivation.

Nitrogen application which is traditionally preplant on these soils, can be accomplished at side dress without production impact and will reduce greenhouse gas via denitrification and ensure that nitrogen applications are only applied to fields that actually get planted to corn .

Rates of nitrogen application may be shaved up to 50 lbs N/ac without impact on yield potential which reduces input costs for producers helping them to be more competitive.

Results have been reported in numerous meetings and conferences and published in Crop Advances, Crop Talk, etc.

Key players in this project were co-operators, Golden Horseshoe Soil and Crop Improvement Associaton, University of Guelph, and Crop Technology Branch staff.

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Establishment and Production Costs for Grapes in Ontario - 2005 Economic Report

The grape industry utilizes the cost of establishment and cost of production models extensively to determine the profitability of the industry and to help growers make business decisions and planting plans. Growers can use the input costs as general guidelines to help identify strengths and weaknesses in their business to enable them to be competitive in the industry by making better business decisions. The 2005 report will be used for four years.

During 2001-2005, 1360 copies of the previous edition of the production costs were distributed to grape growers, wineries, colleges, universities and industry. Hard copies will again be available but the 2005 report will also be posted on the OMAFRA website.

Evaluating Crop Response to Wind Machines

Wind machines are increasingly being used for frost protection. These machines invert warmer air down towards the crop to prevent freezing. The noise emitted from these devices may generate noise complaints from nearby residents so there is a need to acquire information to develop recommended guidelines for the use of wind machines.

OMAFRA is collaborating on a three-year project with the University of Guelph, KCMS Consulting and Brock University. The objectives of this initiative are to study winter hardiness in tender fruit and grapes throughout the dormant season, to evaluate the behaviour of the air temperature inversions above and below the Niagara Escarpment and to study the effects of modifications including design and position on the reduction of noise impact off site.

This information will lead to the development of Best Environmental Practices for the use of wind machines in consultation with industry and government partners. Also, the team hopes to develop an advanced warning system to inform growers of the most effective times to use wind machines. This will avoid unnecessary use of the machines and reduce fuel costs to growers as well as reduce the number of noise complaints from nearby residents.

Information has been distributed to 600 grape growers and residents affected by the noise from wind machines. An open house information meeting was held to learn more about wind machines. One hundred growers were able to more accurately determine whether or not to turn on the machines based on accurate temperatures and inversions, resulting in significant fuel savings and a reduction in the number of noise complaints from residents.

Providing Leading Edge Production Information

Several OMAFRA Crop Recommendation publications were revised and produced in 2005/06. They include:

• Pub 75 - Guide to Weed Control
  
• Pub 363 - Vegetable Production Recommendations
  
• Pub 812 - Field Crop Protection Guide

The production of these publications is co-ordinated by Crop Technology Branch staff. Information is collected from agribusiness, Ontario Agricultural Services Coordinating Committee (OASCC) pest management, soil management and individual crop sub-committees as well as Crop Technology Branch specialists to produced current production recommendations for Ontario producers.

These publications provide current production advice to producers to help them make effective crop management decisions so they are competitive in the industry.

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