16 The Business of Ontario Agriculture Better Farming | April 2024 In Eastern Canada there is a divide in species. In general, from Ottawa west to Windsor, the western corn rootworm is predominant. East of Ottawa through Quebec, the northern corn rootworm persists more than the western. Western tend to lay twice as many eggs as northern, and to date, are the species that have shown to develop resistance to the current Bt traits. From a scouting standpoint, one western will do more damage that one northern. In general, rootworm do not move that much – on average, less than half a kilometre per year. But with high-velocity wind storms, it has been shown that corn rootworm beetles can travel 200 km or more! New to agriculture in Eastern Canada is RNAi technology, to provide a new mode of action in our toolbox in the fight against rootworm. This trait is combined with two other traditional modes of action for superior belowground rootworm control. Unique to this is the ability of the trait to reduce corn rootworm adult beetles by as much as 99 per cent – which further helps mitigate this pest. At the end of the day, rotating crops, traits and management practices is the No. 1 solution to managing corn rootworm to ensure the traits we currently have are around for years to come. Networking and learning It is great taking part in these meetings, but it is the after-meeting learning that keeps you thinking as well. One example I had was talking with an agronomist from northern Iowa. He was explaining their change in the landscape, with large dairies from California moving into the area and setting up large 6,000-head-plus dairy operations. Land values in California in some regions are hitting record values. Limitations in water availability and use in certain geographies is restricting agriculture output. This has challenged growers and producers to expand their thinking and expand their horizons to keep on farming. Our world is ever-changing, both locally and globally. Farmers continue to adapt to our evolving landscape. Commodity prices Commodity prices have declined recently in agriculture. I had a grower ask me what items I would recommend they cut out of their crop management practices to be profitable. Their first instinct was to cut inputs. I challenged the grower to look at what inputs matter, what assorted items cost them on a per-bushel basis, and strive for the highest yields possible. At the end of the day, higher yields mean lower input costs and better profitability. Think about diverse ways to manage your farm business. One example of such thinking recently came from Chris Barron from Ag View Solutions, who shared their story on how a few growers have joined forces and collaborated on joint ownership of equipment. This has allowed for lower machinery costs on a per-acre basis and improved economics on their farm operation. Thinking creatively on all aspects of the farm operation is critical to survival in 2024 and beyond. This is why keeping up with innovative technologies, the latest agronomic research, and picking the brains of neighbours close and afar is critical to moving the yield needle on your farm. From my writing desk to your reading desk, happy planning for the upcoming planting season. BF PAUL HERMANS Paul Hermans, CCA-ON is an area agronomist in Eastern Ontario with Corteva Agriscience. Paul Hermans photo Old dogs, new tricks Planting the newest soybean varieties can help increase your yields.
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