Drought hampers soybeans

Drought is hampering soybeans in the main production area of the United States “raising concerns about the availability of supplies,” said Robobank.

Scouts participating in the recent Pro Framer Crop Tour found sporadic and highly variable yields for both corn and soybeans, especially across the western corn belt, it said.

Record high temperatures and dry conditions in August have negatively impacted both crops. At this stage of the growing season, yield loss due to ongoing heat stress is a much greater risk for soybeans than for corn.  

The soybean situation compounds a 4.6 decline in acres planted.

In addition to drought and heat stress, sudden death syndrome was widely noticed by scouts, as was white mold.

But in Ontario, soybean fields look exceptionally good this summer.

Soybean oil prices are already high relative to soybean meal, driven by demand for diesel fuel.

Survey reveals some eat a lot of beef

Twelve per cent of Americans account for more than half of the beef consumed, according to an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Men ate more than women.

Older adults and college graduates are less likely to eat a meat-heavy diet, according to the research published on Wednesday in the journal Nutrients.

Disproportionate beef consumption is defined as eating more than four ounces for every 2,200 calories.

While nearly a third of reported consumption came from cuts of beef such as steak or brisket, six of the top 10 beef sources were mixed dishes such as burgers, soups and pasta, the researchers from Tulane University found.

The survey was of more than 10,000 people who were asked to recall what they had eaten in the previous 24 hours.

Lactalis is world’s largest dairy

Rabobank reported that Lactalis is now the largest dairy business in the world. Its head offices are in France.

Saputo of Montreal ranked 10^th and Agropur 15^th.

Lactalis has 30 plants in Canada and its brands include Armstrong  and Black Diamond scheese, Astro and Siggis yogourts and Lactancia fresh milks.

Corn borers making a comeback

Farmers should be scouting corn fields to spot corn borer egg masses or stalk damage because new strains resistant to Bt genetics are spreading, says Tracey Baute, field crop entomologist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

Scouting is important to know whether preventive measures ought to be taken before next year’s corn crop. It helps to have the scouting done on a community basis because the pest can spread to a wide area.

As for prevention, Baute recommends using a flail mower after harvest to shred stalks close to ground level. That kills the worms before they can overwinter.

Shredding and bury works, she said. Lowering the combine level also helps.

“We need to work as a group. Now we’re working on how to take action more broadly. Even if you see egg masses, know that field needs to be looked at later,” Baute said.

                           

UG offers new degree in plant agriculture

The University of Guelph is offering a new degree called a master of plant agriculture.

It differs from already-available master’s degrees in that no academic research or a traditional thesis is required.

It has been designed for employers in the private and public sectors who are looking for professionals with advanced expertise in plant breeding, crop production and plant science, the university said.

“It allows recent graduates and professionals to quickly upgrade their education and training,” the university said.

“The program is expected to attract interest from recent graduates and professionals from across Canada and the world seeking a master’s program that enhances career opportunities in the plant agriculture sector,” thre university said.

Students can study on a full- or part-time basis and to select courses that match specific career goals in breeding and genetics, biochemistry and physiology, or crop production systems for both agronomic and horticultural crops.

Students can complete the program in three or four semesters, allowing international students to be eligible to apply for a post-graduate work permit.

“We are consistently hearing that employers are seeking graduates that have the scientific knowledge as well as the hands-on training in plant and agricultural science,” said Dr. John Cranfield, acting dean of Ontario Agriculture College. 

“Our department has world-class faculty with very strong connections to the sector and access to a network of research stations and state of the art facilities across Ontario,” said Dr. Hugh Earl, chair of the Department of Plant Agriculture. “This will benefit our graduate students as it enhances the opportunities for professional networking and hands on learning.

“Throughout the program, students gain applied skills and refine their critical thinking, develop collaborative problem-solving skills, and apply their knowledge in plant sciences to complex challenges,” Earl said. 

“These are critical skills for future leaders in the plant and agricultural sector.”

An advisory council of agriculture and plant science leaders will help guide program development as well as connect students to employment opportunities.

The first intake of students to the master of plant agriculture is slated for September pending approval from the Ontario Universities Council on Quality Assurance.

It seems more like a community college program than a university degree course.

Biosecurity subsidies for Ontario

The federal and Ontario governments announced they have $7.5 million to spend on enhancing biosecurity in the food chain.

The program expands on $3 million that was earmarked for the pork sector.

This initiative will be available to Ontario businesses such as veterinary clinics, livestock auction barns and commingling facilities, grain elevators, seed treatment facilities, and transportation providers. 

Examples of eligible projects include establishing or improving cleaning practices, creating isolation facilities, constructing wash bays for disinfecting and training to support the mitigation of biosecurity risks in food production.

Swine flu on the increase

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs reports an increase in influenza type A in swine.

The peak number of positive submissions, 22, occurred in June.

“This is one of the highest months for Influenza A detections on record since the beginning of these reports in 2021,,” OMAFRA said.

It is a reportable disease and is of interest because It could spread to humans.

Number of submissions with positive tests for influenza in swine by production type and month, Ontario, January 2023 to June 2023.