New soybean virus found in Elgin, Kent Wednesday, September 19, 2012 by BETTER FARMING STAFFSoybean vein necrosis (SVNV), first identified in Tennessee in 2008 and later in several other U.S. states, has been found in Ontario.Albert Tenuta, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs field crop pathologist, reported in a newsletter Sept. 14 that the virus has been identified in crops in Kent and Elgin counties. However, this may not be the first year SVNV has been present in Ontario soybeans.“The disease has most likely been present in soybeans for many years,” Tenuta wrote, “but could have gone misdiagnosed since symptoms look very similar to Cercospora leaf blight (Cercospora kikuchii), scald (sunburn), plant stress response and others.” He says symptoms often begin as light green to yellow patches near the main veins, which may enlarge and eventually become brown areas. “The veins may appear clear, yellow or dark brown in colour. The browning of the veins may be especially noticeable on the lower leaf surface but this may not always occur.”Tenuta said in his newsletter that “the virus belongs to the Tospovirus group which includes tomato spotted wilt virus which are vectored by thrips and possible other insects.” Purdue University’s plant and pest diagnostic laboratory also identified SVNV in crops in Indiana this month for the first time, although scientists there also suspect it has been around for longer.Purdue extension plant pathologist Kiersten Wise, quoted in a report by WLFI-TV in Lafayette, Ind., said they suspect they are seeing the virus this year because they have also seen more thrip damage in soybeans. Wise said the disease does not seem to affect yield. BF George Morris Centre spins off management training programs A good year for Ontario grape growers
Sunflower farming in Ontario Tuesday, August 19, 2025 While Manitoba dominates sunflower production in Canada—accounting for about 90 percent of the national output (https://oggardenonline.com/where-in-canada-are-sunflowers-grown.html)—Ontario is home to a growing number of sunflower farms. These farms are often smaller in scale and... Read this article online
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Regions Announced Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) has published the initial list of prescribed regions eligible for the 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral provision, a key support measure for Canadian livestock producers grappling with the impacts of extreme weather. “As we continue to see the very... Read this article online
Winter wheat in Ontario: A resilient crop for a sustainable future Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Winter wheat has long been a staple in Ontario’s agricultural landscape, offering both economic and environmental benefits to farmers across the province. Grown primarily in southwestern Ontario, this crop plays a vital role in crop rotation systems, soil health, and food... Read this article online
Better Soil Health Improves Rain Absorption Monday, August 18, 2025 The OMAFA Fieldcropnews.com team recently held demonstrations regarding how soil management can greatly affect the amount of rainfall absorbed into the soil for crop use. This is especially important for corn, soybean, and wheat growers facing dry spells or intense summer storms. In early... Read this article online
Farm ponds and the trouble with algae Monday, August 18, 2025 Farm ponds are more than just tranquil features on rural landscapes—they’re essential tools for water management, livestock care, irrigation, and biodiversity—especially in North America. They are also considered to be a key agricultural asset outside North America, especially in... Read this article online