Better Farming - December 2016

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Cover photos: Mary Baxter,
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FARMWEATHER REPORT
Rainfall variations across Ontario
BEHIND THE LINES
A year of change
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For many of us, December is the time to reflect on
past accomplishments and look towards new plans
and opportunities. I think this is partially related to
the seasonal nature of crop production; fall harvest is
complete and we reflect on what worked – and
perhaps what didn’t – as we start to shape our
production plans for 2017. As columnist Dale Cowan
highlights in his article, after all, now is the time to
try and place spring seed orders to try to take
advantage of discounts!
2016 has certainly been a year of change for me. I successfully defended my
PhD dissertation in agricultural history, finishing off my formal graduate educa-
tion. (But always eagerly looking for the next learning opportunity.) I also took on
a more active role in the management of my family farm operation.
The biggest change, of course, has been my move into the role of managing
editor of Better Farming and Better Pork. The role allows me to combine my
life-long passions for agriculture and writing.
While I’ve always been active in the farming community, I’ve been so pleased
by the kindness and support of our readers. I had a blast earlier this fall, connect-
ing with many of you at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show, and, more recently, at
the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s annual general meeting.
A number of you, too, have reached out by email or social media to share some
of your thoughts and suggestions. Ken Grubb , a cash crop farmer, for example,
suggested the addition of the page numbers on the front cover – which allows our
busy readers to find articles more quickly.
Rudy Heeman also kindly shared detailed information on his family’s
agri-tourism operation, allowing senoir writer Mary Baxter to delve into the
issue of soaring hydro costs in this month’s main feature.
So, as we move towards the end of 2016, on behalf of all of us at Better Farm-
ing, thanks for all of your support. We look forward to continuing our discussions
in the new year – and beyond. BF
ANDREA M. GAL
Overall, Ontario rainfall typically remained below the
30-year average between May 1 and publication time.
There were, however, some notable variations
across the province. At one extreme, the Windsor
area received 616.9 mm of rain in those 26 weeks,
versus its 30-year average of 495.2 mm for the same
timeframe. Of this year’s rainfall, 130 mm fell during
one event in Windsor. Peterborough, in contrast,
experienced only 293.4 mm of rain, versus its 30-year
average of 520 mm.
The drier weather has hurt crop yields in eastern
Ontario as well as the Niagara area.
In Essex County, in contrast, the excess rain delayed the harvest of an average
to above-average corn crop. The excess precipitation, along with warmer than
normal temperatures, contributed to ear molds – which caused quality issues and
some corn downgrading at elevators.
Winter wheat stands are average to good with some waterlogged fields in the
southwestern part of the province. BF
Dale Cowan, CCA-ON, 4 R NMS, is a senior agronomist with AGRIS Wanstead
Cooperatives. Data fromWIN and the Ag Grower Daily Dashboard Program.