Agriculture Wildlife Conflict Working Group – Birgit Martin
The AWCWG held its 2 regular meetings in 2024.
During the April 30 2024 meeting, the group received the 2023-2024 statistics of the livestock predation compensation program, received member comments about ongoing livestock related issues, discussed the growing issue of sandhill cranes across the province and the introduction of a hunting season in fall 2026. The guest speaker of the day was Darby Warner from the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation, SCIC, who gave an overview of that province’s wildlife damage crop compensation program. A link to his powerpoint presentation is here.
At the November 5 2024 meeting the group received highlights of the 2024 livestock compensation program to date. The sheep and bee industry representatives raised some issues of concern to them. There was also discussion initiated by me as the OSCIA rep that there be industry support for the registration of Avipel (a bird repellent for Sandhill Cranes and other birds) in Canada. A small company out of New Brunswick is seeking registration of the product and is facing a long and demanding process. Industry support could be helpful. My second request was for an industry push for a crop compensation program for wildlife damage in Ontario that is outside of production insurance. The OFA supports the call for such a crop compensation program.
Canadian Corn Pest Coalition (CCPC) – Andy van Niekerk
The CCPC is a cross-sector stakeholder group from the Canadian corn industry providing a single credible voice on insect pest management in corn. The group is comprised of representatives from grower associations, regulatory agencies, technology developers, academic institutions and extension and research staff from both provincial and federal governments.
Each member is committed to the common goal of promoting sustainable use of traits and crop protection products for improved corn production, quality, and environmental stewardship.
The CCPC enables cross sector sharing of information on scientific developments, field observations and potential issues pertaining to new and existing insect protection technologies (traits and crop protection products) in corn.
The CCPC works to coordinate research priorities, develop, and promote best management practices, and provide input into mitigation plans when issues arise. Publication of opinions, information and materials will be driven by consensus and one representative from each group listed below has voting privileges (27 Voting Members; Quorum = 15):
Tracey Baute continues to be the chair and continues to do an excellent job, with Jocelyn Smith acting as secretary/treasurer. Again, we had 3 virtual meetings. We also had opportunity to join the USDA subcommittee NC-246 discussion on the “Ecology and Management of Arthropods in Corn”, whereby there were presentations and discussions from all North America, including our own Tracey Baute and Jocelyn Smith.
Once again, the Corn Rootworm (CRW) resistance situation continues to dominate the group discussions. Crop Life Canada have started a campaign “Manage Resistance Now” to bring awareness of the continuing Unexpected Injury (UXI) events. They will be producing an e-newsletter and media kit.
There is a Corn Stalk Destruction trial continues in Eastern Ontario to assess that the ECB mortality rate.
Greg Dunlop from iFusion Research had presented the results of the 2023 Grower Survey. Approximately 85% of the corn acres are grown from Bt genetics.
There also continues to be monitoring on Western Bean Cutworm and Corn Ear Worm pressure. The Eastern provinces had their highest insect pressure last year.
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for CRW management research for “biocontrol are still being tested in parts of Ontario this past year.
I look forward to continued participation on this committee.
Ontario Cereal Crops Committee (OCCC) – Andy van Niekerk
The Ontario Cereal Crops Committee (OCCC) acts as the recommending body to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for cereal variety registration in Ontario.
The OCCC also coordinates cereal performance testing, dissemination of the results and reviews cereal-related research to facilitate its coordination. The voting membership of the OCCC consists of one representative of each of the following organizations representing the cereal industry in Ontario: Grain Farmers of Ontario; Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; OMAFRA; Ontario Agri Business Association; Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association; Ontario Seed Growers Association; Seeds Canada; Canadian National Millers Association; and the University of Guelph.
There were two virtual meetings in 2024 as well as in person tour of the Oat Trials and another Barley Field day.
Joanna Follings continues to do an excellent job at Chairperson, with Melinda Drummond acting as secretary.
Results for the Winter Wheat, Barley and Oat trials can be found at https://cereals.gocrops.ca/performance-trial-results/
Ontario Corn Committee (OCC) – Andy van Niekerk
The Ontario Corn Committee has roots back to 1937 after concern over “unscrupulous persons” selling inferior corn hybrids. The OCC evolved into a “licencing agent for Ontario. A corn breeding program was started. And in fact, the first Canadian-Bred hybrids came form the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Some 50 + years ago the Ontario Corn Heat Unit (CHU) rating system was developed and still stands today. The AAFC terminated the licencing of corn hybrids, but the OCC continued to evaluate corn hybrids as farmers had now put great value in the 3rd party opinions. And the continues do testing in twenty different sites.
There were two virtual meetings in 2024 to review the trial set up, review the results as well as reviewing the finances of the OCC. We also toured the research plots at Winchester in August while at the OSCIA summer meeting. Holly Byker was very accommodating.
Ben Rosser continues to do an excellent job at Chairperson. Scott Banks has fully assumed full Secretarial duties after taking over from Dave Morrison the year prior. Respect and recognition was held for Dave Harwood, representative for Seeds Canada, who retired from the OCC this year. They thanked him for his years of service and contribution to OCC.
OCC has a DON ad hoc committee to evaluate out the different hybrids for tolerance to DON. Results can be found at www.gocorn.net/OCC_DON_Report
Tar spot continues to plague the performance trials and considerable discussion was held regarding duplication of trials with and without fungicide treatment. A Tar Spot ad hoc subcommittee was struck to determine protocol moving forward.
Record yields were noted at most all the sites this year. However, the site at Ilderton was damaged and not entered due to excess water.
For results of the trials please go to www.gocorn.net
Ontario Pulse Crop Committee (OPCC) – Phil Oegema
No report is currently available.
Ontario Soybean & Canola Committee (OSCC) – Kerrie Jenken
No report is currently available.
Ontario Soil Management Research & Services Committee – Gord Speksnijder
The broad objective of the Ontario Soil Management Committee (OSMC) is to evaluate soil management recommendations for OMAFA publications. OSMC considers new research and input from a wide range of stakeholders (including resolutions brought forward to OSCIA from membership) to inform these recommendations. The goal is to apply scientific rigour to those recommendations and broaden the lens under which they are scrutinized to ensure that, beyond yield, economic and environmental sustainability are considered. Effort is made to stay abreast of relevant research and to identify what research needs to be done to ensure the right information is available to make the right soil fertility recommendations. Researchers are regularly invited to OSMC meetings to present their findings, discuss where their research programs should go next, and how new information on soil health and fertility will get into the hands of Ontario farmers. For example, recent research shows that pre-side-dress nitrate test (PSNT) results can be adversely affected by freezing and thawing soil samples (research paper is available here: https://doi.org/10.1002/saj2.20714). Recommendations in Publication 811: Agronomy Guide for Field Crops will be amended to reflect these findings.
In 2024, the membership of the Committee was expanded to ensure wide representation of research/academia, government, and industry/farm organizations; more then 50 voting and ad hoc members are listed. The data requirements for updating soil fertility recommendations were formalized to provide guidance to researchers and Terms of Reference for the Communications Working Group were approved.
For more information, please search for OSMC at the Field Crop News website. on soil health and fertility will get into the hands of Ontario farmers.
Ontario Weeds Committee (OWC) – Brady Jones
The Fall Ontario Weed Committee meeting took place on November 5, 2024, with 42 participants. The key topics discussed included:
- Herbicide Resistant Weeds: Mike Cowbrough and Kristen Obeid provided an update on herbicide resistance testing. Notable findings include:
- Waterhemp was the most tested weed, with all population’s herbicide resistant, and 94% resistant to multiple modes of action.
- Common ragweed showed increasing resistance, particularly to Reflex herbicide.
- Perennial ryegrass exhibited glyphosate resistance in four populations.
- Problem Weeds: Mike Cowbrough presented results of 2024 efficacy trials on prostrate knotweed and common burdock, with details provided in the presentations.
- Minor Use Update: Josh Mosiondz reported on recent minor use registrations and ongoing projects.
- New Products/Registrations: Rob Miller from BASF introduced the new corn herbicide Surtain, while Curtis Pilkington from Bayer CropScience discussed the HT4 and HT5 herbicide-tolerant soybean systems.
- New Application Technology: Meghan Ioi from FS Partners shared her experience with the John Deere See and Spray Applicator, which was effective in reducing herbicide use by leaving over 60% of the field unsprayed based on weed presence.
Additionally, a 2025 tour of weed control plots at the University of Guelph’s Elora Research Station will be planned, building on the success of past tours with growing participation. Leanne Freitag chaired the meeting, and the report was provided by Mike Cowbrough.
In 2024, Mike Cowbrough and Kristen Obeid from OMAFA provided an update on molecular-based herbicide resistance and plant identification testing, supported financially by various areas that submitted weed populations. The following key points were highlighted:
Herbicide Resistance Testing:
Species Tested: 57 populations were tested, including those from both field and horticultural crops.
Waterhemp: All populations tested were resistant, with 94% exhibiting multiple herbicide resistance.
Common Ragweed: 65% of populations tested were resistant, including 47% to group 14 herbicides, 17% multiple resistant, and 12% with 3-way resistance (affecting soybean and black bean crops).
Pigweed (Redroot/Green): All populations were resistant, with 20% resistant to group 14 herbicides, 30% showing multiple resistance, and some exhibiting 3-way resistance (notably from onion fields).
Perennial Ryegrass: 80% of populations were glyphosate resistant.
Eastern Black Nightshade: Two populations showed resistance to imazethapyr (group 2).
Lambsquarter: 50% of populations tested were resistant, with one population resistant to triazine herbicides (group 5).
Species Identification:
Grasses Identified: Species from various counties, such as loose silky bentgrass (Wellington), perennial ryegrass (Bruce, Essex, Huron, Wellington), and roughstalk bluegrass (Wellington), were identified.
Broadleaf Weeds Identified: Species from counties including Palmer amaranth (Bruce, Haldimand), waterhemp (Essex, Huron, Norfolk), and common ragweed (Oxford) were identified.
Limitations and Challenges:
Resistance Detection: Resistance to certain herbicides (e.g., group 5 resistance in waterhemp) may not be detected if the resistance mechanism isn’t a target site mutation.
False Negatives: This limitation could lead to false negatives in testing results.
Cost Increase: Testing costs have risen by 40% in 2024.Overall, molecular testing is crucial for detecting herbicide resistance, but supplementary testing (such as dose-response tests) is recommended to ensure accurate results.
Mike Cowbrough’s presentation on Prostrate Knotweed Sensitivity to POST Corn Herbicides (2024) focused on herbicide control challenges related to Polygonum aviculare (prostrate knotweed), a common annual weed.
Key Points:
Herbicide Efficacy:
Dicamba: Provided >80% control in turf and winter wheat (Askew et al., 2021; Sikkema, 2004).
Glyphosate: >80% control with no significant effect from application rate (Sikkema, 2004).
PMRA Label Search: Products like Touchdown Total (glyphosate), 2,4-D (under 4-leaf), MCPA, Treflan, and Flexstar list knotweed as susceptible.
Anecdotal Information: Hefty Brothers noted glyphosate and Distinct as preferred products for corn control.
2024 Challenges:
Prostrate knotweed is one of the first annual weeds to emerge in spring, and wet soil conditions in 2024 delayed field preparation, making tillage ineffective against large knotweed seedlings.
Herbicide Testing Results:
Glyphosate: 1.34 L/acre provided >90% control. Tank-mixing with glyphosate 0.67 L/acre and products like Permit (halosufuron) improved control to over 80%.
Liberty (glufosinate): Used in Liberty-Link hybrids, showed similar effectiveness.
Acuron: When mixed with glyphosate, it reduced control compared to glyphosate alone.
2,4-D: Tank-mixed with glyphosate, it caused unacceptable crop injury (“onion leafing”, stunting) and did not provide effective knotweed control. Yield reductions were noted (12% in a 2018 study).
Conclusion:
Glyphosate at 1.34 L/acre offers excellent control of prostrate knotweed.
Tank-mixing glyphosate with Permit enhances control, while mixing with Acuron reduces efficacy.
2,4-D tank-mixed with glyphosate causes crop injury and fails to control knotweed effectively.
This presentation highlights the complexities of controlling prostrate knotweed in corn fields, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right herbicide and tank-mix partners to avoid crop injury and achieve effective control. Mike Russell from Hensall Coop and Mark Baker, a farm cooperator, were acknowledged for their contributions.
Summary: Common Burdock Sensitivity to Pasture Herbicides (2024)
Presented by: Jason Deveau and Mike Cowbrough
This study focused on the effectiveness of various herbicides in controlling Arctium minus (common burdock) in pastures, comparing their efficacy, cost, and grazing restrictions. Two key study sites (Kinburn and Guelph) were used, with application rates and herbicide performance measured 28 days after application.
Herbicide Options:
2,4-D Ester:
Rate: 0.64 – 1.36 L/acre
Cost: ~$11.50 – $23.00/acre
Grazing Restriction: 30 days
Effectiveness: Higher rates provided better control.
MCPA Ester:
Rate: 0.56 – 1.12 L/acre
Cost: ~$10.50 – $21.00/acre
Grazing Restriction: 7 days
Effectiveness: Similar results to 2,4-D ester with higher rates offering improved control.
Engenia (Dicamba):
Rate: 0.67 – 1.47 L/acre
Cost: ~$27.00 – $40.00/acre
Grazing Restriction: 7 days
Effectiveness: Similar to 2,4-D ester at higher rates, but more expensive.
Lontrel XC:
Rate: 0.1 – 0.2 L/acre
Cost: ~$17.50 – $35.00/acre
Grazing Restriction: None
Effectiveness: Showed good control at 0.2 L/acre, but not as effective as 2,4-D ester or MCPA at higher rates.
Express SG + Merge:
Rate: 12 g + 0.4 L/acre
Cost: ~$13.00/acre
Grazing Restriction: None
Effectiveness: No labeled restrictions, but control efficacy varied.
Burdock Control Results (28 Days Post-Application):
Kinburn Site (early May): Higher application rates of 2,4-D ester and MCPA ester resulted in >80% control.
Guelph Site (early June): Control was also effective, with Lontrel XC and MCPA ester showing >80% control.
Overall Findings:
The higher labeled rates of Engenia, 2,4-D ester, MCPA ester, and Lontrel XC resulted in higher visual control of burdock.
2,4-D ester showed the highest rate response.
Later applications (e.g., early June) to larger burdock plants did not significantly impact control, particularly with 2,4-D ester and MCPA ester.
Economic Considerations:
A fall application of Express SG + adjuvant, followed by a spring application of 2,4-D ester or MCPA ester, was found to be the most economical program for managing common burdock in pastures.
Conclusion:
Higher rates of herbicides like 2,4-D ester and MCPA ester are effective for controlling burdock.
Fall treatments using Express SG and spring applications of 2,4-D ester or MCPA ester offer a cost-effective strategy for long-term control.
The economic trade-off between herbicide cost and control efficacy should guide decision-making in pasture management. Shady Creek Lamb Co. and Chris Moore, Lyndsey Smith were acknowledged for their contributions to the study.
The Minor Use Program Update for November 2023 to present, led by Josh Mosiondz (Minor Use Coordinator at OMAFRA), covers various aspects of the program’s activities, including registrations, emergency use registrations, and ongoing challenges. Here’s a summary:
Full Registrations (URMULE, January 2024 to date):
- A variety of crop protection products have received registrations for use across several crops, including Armezon for flax, Assure II for Rhodiola, Authority Supreme for alfalfa seed production, and Eragon for adzuki beans and highbush blueberries, among others.
- Notable products include:
- Sandea for caneberries in British Columbia.
- Select for lowbush blueberries and Avadex for wild oats in buckwheat.
Pending Final Labels:
- Some products are awaiting final label approval, including 2,4-D for hops and Assure II for creeping red fescue.
Emergency Use Registrations (2024 – Ontario):
- Several emergency use registrations have been granted for different crops, such as:
- Captan for pepper diseases.
- Cimegra for cabbage maggot in multiple provinces.
- Suspend Polyzone for box tree moth on boxwood shrubs.
- Nealta for mites on greenhouse strawberries.
2024 AAFC-PMC / IR-4 Program Joint Projects:
- New joint projects with the IR-4 program include pest control for blueberries (Plexenos for aphids) and cherries (Allegro for brown rot).
- Other projects include weed management for peas, broccoli, and sunflowers.
Active URMULE Projects:
- Currently, around 530 active minor use submissions are underway, with a significant portion focusing on field vegetables (29%), fruit crops (23%), and greenhouse vegetables (12%).
- Approximately 60% of these projects are submitted by the AAFC-PMC, while Ontario and Quebec also contribute a significant number of projects.
2024 Minor Use Tour:
- The 2024 Minor Use Tour took place from July 30 to August 1, visiting various regions in Ontario, including Brant, Oxford, Norfolk, and Niagara counties, to learn about production practices and challenges related to minor use crops.
Current & Ongoing Issues:
- Invasive Species: Concerns about the spread of species like Spotted Wing Drosophila and the threat of the Spotted Lanternfly.
- Emergency Use Registration Demand: Increased demand for emergency use registrations.
- Product Re-evaluation: Ongoing challenges due to the re-evaluation of several broad-spectrum chemistries.
- Resistance Management: Addressing herbicide resistance in weed species and fungicide resistance in pathogens.
- New Pest Control Solutions: Identifying effective solutions for difficult-to-control pests like grubs and stink bugs.
- Technology Gaps: There are growing gaps in pest control product technologies, particularly in vertical farming.
Looking Ahead:
- New registrations and submissions for the upcoming field season are expected, with the AAFC-PMC planning to return to an in-person National Priority Setting workshop in 2025.
Contact Information:
- For more information on Ontario’s Minor Use Program, you can contact Josh Mosiondz at (226) 971-3407 or via email at Joshua.Mosiondz@ontario.ca. Additionally, the program’s webpage can be visited here.
This update reflects ongoing efforts to support minor crop protection products and address key issues within Ontario’s agricultural sector.
It sounds like the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has taken significant steps in advancing robotics and automation within the agriculture sector. Their initiatives include forming the AgRobotics Working Group, securing funding, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
Here’s a summary of key achievements and goals:
Formation of the AgRobotics Working Group: This group, which includes stakeholders from government, research institutions, technology companies, agri-business, grower associations, and innovative growers, works to tackle critical challenges in agriculture using robotics and automation.
Secured Over $8 Million in Funding: Since 2021, the group has successfully obtained significant funding, including:
$2M from Farm Credit Canada for the Innovation Farms Initiative.
$2.4M through an S-CAP TPA for the Western Fair District to manage the Working Group’s administration and to fund projects, as well as offer mentorships for new technology companies.
Collaboration and Outreach:
180 members.
150 meetings held.
100 presentations conducted.
Access to 30 robots from 8 technology companies.
Goal: The overall objective is to accelerate the adoption of robotics and automation in agriculture by influencing the sector with practical demonstrations and developing partnerships to drive innovation. This initiative is positioning Ontario’s agricultural sector to be at the forefront of technological advancements that could help address the challenges faced in modern farming.