Wheat yields were closer to average in the areas affected with snow mould but were better than expected for the most part. Potatoes in Prince Edward Island are in a drought situation. Need for fungicides has been negligible, but the drought is likely to reduce final yields. For forage crops, dry weather has reduced second cut yields and third cut regrowth is very slow and uneven. Many fields are showing symptoms of potato leafhopper damage, particularly in new seedings.
Some pastures have very little growth and livestock are being supplemented with hay.
Remember that fertilization with potassium promotes persistence best when applied before the season's last six weeks of growth. While the Act will not specify any new guidelines, it will replace the existing patchwork of municipal by-laws across the province with uniform enforceable standards. The fertilizer industry is likely to feel the impact. PPIC is working with the Ontario Agri Business Association and the Ontario Certified Crop Advisor Board to ensure that workable standards are developed that can be implemented by the private sector. In areas of high risk of P loss to streams, rivers and lakes, applications of manure will be restricted to rates of crop removal or less.