Wheat Pete's Word: Recent Episodes
RealAgriculture
October has started with plenty of activity in the field and in the inbox and Wheat Pete is tackling it all! From safety reminders to the quirks of dry-season harvesting, host of Wheat Pete's Word, Peter Johnson, dives into low-yield soybeans, unusual corn dry-down, and what volunteer beans are really telling you. Plus: get answers... Read More
Ontario’s winter wheat crop has exceeded expectations, as the province has officially surpassed the 100 bushel per acre average yield mark, clocking in at 100.4 bu/ac (yes, the .4 matters!) But while Wheat Pete is celebrating that milestone, there are concerns this week as parts of Ontario are bone dry, mildew is flaring up in... Read More
It’s a mixed bag this week on Wheat Pete's Word! Rain has finally returned for parts of Ontario, which is good news for cover crops and wheat going in the ground. This week, host Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson discusses harvest numbers, how AI might (or might not) help you diagnose combine issues, and why ryegrass... Read More
From purple corn to phosphorus plans, this week’s Wheat Pete's Word is packed with timely tips and reminders as harvest ramps up and winter wheat planning gets serious in Ontario. Host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson covers crop maturity shifts, rootworm alerts, harvest quality updates, and the all-important wheat planting window. Plus, he's got a dose... Read More
In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson reflects on his time at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show this week, shares agronomic updates on soybeans, corn, edible beans and cover crops, and reminds listeners to keep checking in on each other. From shifting silage moisture to brittle corn stalks and unexpected purple soybean leaves,... Read More
It’s already September and Wheat Pete’s got a jam-packed podcast this week, covering everything from unexpected rivalries to tillage talk, corn maturity, fleabane control, and red clover root mass. Whether it’s broadcasting wheat soybeans, oat/pea cover crop N considerations, or managing residue of sudangrass, this one’s full of practical agronomic advice and timely reminders. Have... Read More
Cooler temps, sudden fall weather, and harvest-season curveballs dominate this week’s episode. Host Peter Johnson (a.k.a. Wheat Pete) shares insight on the impact of Ontario's drought, crop development, and management decisions for wheat and beyond. Hear some listener shoutouts and travel envy thrown in for good measure. Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to... Read More
It’s time for another edition of Wheat Pete’s Word! This week, host Peter Johnson reminds us to take stock of how fortunate we are, even as challenging weather and commodity prices weigh heavy. From frost in soybeans in northern Ontario, to four-foot-tall corn, 2025 continues to throw curveballs at growers. Johnson also emphasizes the importance... Read More
In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson shares crop observations from a dry and stressful growing season, celebrates the benefits of family time for mental health, and digs into listener questions on everything from rooting depth to disease trials. He also flags the growing concern around spider mites—and highlights the urgent need... Read More
Weather woes, wheat wins, and agronomy surprises dominate this week’s podcast, as host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson checks in ahead of RealAg’s short summer break. From high-yielding wheat to dry-soil corn struggles and critical fertility reminders, there's no shortage of agronomic insight in this week's Word! Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to address... Read More
This week, Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson takes listeners from the tough realities of crop stress to the fun of agronomy problem-solving. From temperature swings in South Africa to drought and green snap at home, Pete stresses the importance of community and agronomic planning in a challenging season. Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to... Read More
Sweet corn season has arrived in Ontario and Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson is loving it—but there’s more than just local produce to talk about this week. From armyworm infestations to wheat yields, estimating straw volume, and corn fungicide timing, Pete dives deep into harvest updates, pest alerts, and timely agronomic advice. Have a question you’d... Read More
It’s hot, it’s dry, and Pete "Wheat Pete" Johnson hopes you'll soon be watching it all from the cab of the combine bringing in his favourite crop — winter wheat. In this week’s episode, Johnson digs into crop stress, management mistakes, and what the wheat yields are telling us so far. Plus, hear why vertical... Read More
We’re deep into July and the heat is on — both in the fields and in the agronomic decision-making. In this early July episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson dives into drought stress, winter cereal harvest challenges, and the latest in nutrient management. Plus, Pete shares listener questions on pre-harvest spray strategy, potash... Read More
Happy Canada Day! It's time for this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word! This week, host Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson reflects on national pride, agricultural progress, and offers a packed episode full of timely agronomy updates, from yield highlights and crop stage tips to weather-driven challenges and in-field observations. Here’s what you’ll hear in this... Read More
From rainfall extremes and soybean pests to questions on heat stress and herbicide timing, this episode of Wheat Pete's Word is packed with agronomic updates and audience shoutouts. Host Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson also reflects on long-standing contributions in Ontario ag and emphasizes the power of personal visits. Use your Wheat Pete's 15! Have a... Read More
In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter Johnson tackles a laundry list of agronomic dilemmas as early summer stress ramps up. From crusting and stranded beans, to feeding hybrid rye, to the consequences of residue in soybean stands to serious concerns about stripe rust, Peter Johnson offers practical insight and field-driven advice.... Read More
Host of Wheat Pete's Word, Peter Johnson, is in the U.K. this week, combining family time with a packed Yield Enhancement Network tour schedule. In this episode of the Word, he shares agronomy updates from back home and across the pond — covering everything from unexpected nitrate levels to disease lessons from British wheat fields.... Read More
It’s a rollercoaster of weather and agronomy challenges this week on Wheat Pete's Word! From northern Saskatchewan’s wildfires to Kentucky’s record rainfall, Peter Johnson shares insights and tips to keep you informed and proactive in these unpredictable times. Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to address or some field results to send in? Agree/disagree... Read More
What a wild ride for the end of May! From dust storms and wet fields to yellow corn and exploding rust, this week’s episode of Wheat Pete's Word is packed with real-time crop updates, disease alerts, and timely fertility lessons. Host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson covers all these topics, plus a unique sheep-and-goat grazing trial... Read More
From chilly air to fast-growing wheat, it’s been another week of agronomic twists and regional contrasts. In this episode of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter Johnson tackles early forage harvest lessons, cold water imbibition in soybeans, and an important reminder about managing stripe rust and mildew under cool conditions. Have a question you’d like Wheat... Read More
The spring planting surge continues across Ontario and Wheat Pete has a full report on the buzz from the fields, including early planting progress, disease alerts, and a few head-scratching situations. In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, your host Peter Johnson looks to get a handle on early-planted soybeans; talks triticale success for livestock... Read More
It’s go time! As planting pushes ahead under wildly variable spring conditions, Wheat Pete is back with a reminder that May stress is real—and so are the agronomy challenges. In this episode of Wheat Pete's Word, your host Peter Johnson highlights the importance of mental health check-ins, digs into soil fertility puzzles, and shares fascinating... Read More
It’s the last Wednesday of April and “flying” is the theme — both in planting speed and in soil, unfortunately. In this week’s podcast, Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson covers extreme wind erosion in Ontario, incredible planting progress for corn and soybeans, and a long list of agronomy Q&As. From dry weather dilemmas to early insect... Read More
Plant ‘25 is roaring ahead, and Wheat Pete is bringing a jam-packed episode of this week's Wheat Pete's Word with sharp agronomy insights, listener Q&A, and a dash of international agronomic context. From nitrogen strategies to manganese myths and root-zone revelations, this week’s podcast is all about making timely, informed decisions in spring. Have a... Read More
This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word has it all—from late snow and later crop stress risks, to heartfelt lessons on mental health, and on to nitrogen loss and sulphur losses. Host Peter Johnson also covers timely questions on manganese rates, how to handle winterkill patches in wheat, and reaching out to people when you... Read More
Unseasonably cold weather returned to Ontario this week and so, Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete's Word, dives into the agronomic consequences—from severe erosion and grassed waterways to sulphur behaviour in soil. This jam-packed episode of the podcast also features scouting surprises in winter canola, tile drainage success in cold regions, and a red clover... Read More
From the theatre stage to the field, Wheat Pete, host of Wheat Pete's Word, brings it all this week—sharing lessons in mental and physical health, crop nutrition, soil moisture management, and the all-important “when” of fertilizer applications. There’s a discussion on early wheat scouting, drainage success stories, and an update on the elusive daikon-loving slugs.... Read More
Mother Nature is taking her sweet time in bringing in spring, but slowly and surely we are marching towards putting crop in the ground. For this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter Johnson rifles through several agronomy answers, including: what to do with cover crops that didn't die, why sulphur matters and why... Read More
What's the story on sulphur? We're glad you asked! This week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word tackles several agronomic questions regarding winter crop green-up, farm safety, going to the theatre, and insects overwintering. Plus, as promised, there's plenty to cover on sulphur applications: when, how, where, and most importantly, what form, and there's a caution... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson brought home more than just a tan from Costa Rica; there were lessons to be learned, even while enjoying a rejuvenating vacation. In this episode of Wheat Pete's Word, Pete talks about some of these lessons, such as the need for a break, the difference that climate can make, Canadian pride,... Read More
Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson will always get the Word done, even when he's on vacation, which is exactly what we're getting this week as the Wheat Pete's Word: Costa Rica edition hits the airwaves! In this week's podcast: A discussion on nitrogen source and yield potential, the impact of ice on over-wintering crops, sulphur suggestions,... Read More
When managing fertilizer, the when of application can matter almost as much as the rate, especially when it comes to nitrogen and minimizing losses, says Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson. In this episode of Wheat Pete's Word, Johnson shares insights into preventing nitrogen fertilizer losses, assessing manure's nutrient release potential and impact on microbial activity, and... Read More
There are plenty of decisions to make ahead of seeding and planting, and sometimes those decisions revolve around what goes down with the seed. For this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word, Peter Johnson talks boron for canola, AMS vs. gypsum, and starter-fertilizer decisions with dry soil and seedbed utilization in mind. Also in this... Read More
In 10 years of answering your questions, observing farm changes, and navigating agronomy, what has changed for Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson? Well, he's got a few more grey hairs and perhaps an extra wrinkle or two, but the fundamentals of growing high-yielding crops haven't changed much from episode 1 to 500 of The Word, says... Read More
Snow mould, and stripe rust, and land rents, oh my! How on earth could there be so many disease alerts this early in the season? Well, Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson would tell you forewarned is forearmed, and both stripe rust and snow mould could be an issue in this upcoming growing season. Also on this... Read More
An Albertan and an Ontarian fly to The Rock... no, it's not the start of a hilarious joke, it's what really happened this week as RealAg's Shaun Haney and Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson both were invited to present to the Newfoundland Federation of Agriculture. Much fun was had (you can check out Wednesday's RealAg Radio... Read More
This week is all about bone-chilling cold in Ontario and many parts of Western Canada, but does that mean fall seeded crops are in trouble? It depends. On this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word host Peter Johnson explains why growing point location, air temp, and snow cover all matter when expecting survival of winter... Read More
The new year is rocking and rolling in the best way — the opportunities for learning just keep coming! In this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter Johnson shares and discusses some of the key questions discussed at the Southwest Ag Conference and more. From early sulphur decisions, to stressing wheat (on purpose?),... Read More
New technology is top of mind in this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word, hosted by Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson. Between Green Lightning, a plasma technology that essentially is trying to replicate what happens in the atmosphere as lightning strikes to create nitrogen to create N on-farm, and a biological process coming out of Australia... Read More
What's the difference between a natural system and a farming system? The harvest, of course! Does that mean we can go "back to nature"? Oh, what a great question, and one that Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson tackles on this final episode of the 2024 calendar year. In this week's podcast also hear about using cover... Read More
How long do you think the impact of tillage erosion lasts? A few years? A decade? Try several decades! Work out of Manitoba is assessing how conservation tillage adds back what tillage erosion takes away, but the preliminary findings are that tillage erosion is very hard to reverse. That's part of this episode of Wheat... Read More
Wasn't that a snowstorm? Well, depending on where you are in Ontario, it was either the most snow in one storm in years, or hardly a flake fell. The onset of winter is the onset of learning season, but it's always the learning season here on Wheat Pete's Word. In this week's podcast, settle in... Read More
When asked about tillage, RealAgriculture's Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson says to do as little as you can. But when tillage is necessary what should it be — disc ripping? Moldboard plowing? In this episode of Wheat Pete's Word, Pete says that tillage erosion is 10 times worse than wind and water erosion. The disc ripper... Read More
Mid-November seems a little late to be spraying in southern Ontario, but the warm temperatures have made for some great opportunities and fall weed control simply works, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this latest episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Fall weed control is especially worth it on perennial sow thistle, Canada thistle and on... Read More
A low soil pH just needs some lime and is good to go — right? Not necessarily so, explains Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this latest episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Correcting low soil pH can be very difficult and expensive if the soil in question has plenty of buffering capacity, plus the pH problem… Read More
Wheat Pete wishes he didn’t have to talk about safety but he has to. More farmers are telling him that they’ve had draw pins stolen. Make sure you do a circle check and check the pins before moving wagons — you could save a life. Farmers also have to stay safe around grain bins. Pete… Read More
Fall conditions in Ontario are quite dry and that has some growers wondering if the wheat is OK. More farmers are also perhaps getting a little carried away with fall field work, because, well, there’s time and dry conditions to do some! To discuss what’s going on with the wheat crop, why it’s always the… Read More
Resist the urge to splurge on nitrogen, says Wheat Pete, at least this fall on wheat. But why? The answer to that is in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Also in this edition: double crop beans yields, foggy mornings and farm safety, pet peeves, fungicide ROI, and more! Have a question you’d like… Read More
There isn’t any one thing that creates a healthy soil. Instead, building soil health and resiliency takes a combination of plant growth, nutrient additions, and careful management. Turns out, it’s not just building organic matter that adds to this dynamic — growing high yielding crops is also key part of nutrient cycling and productive soil…. Read More
It’s nearly Thanksgiving, and plenty of farmers have lots to be thankful for, including excellent soybean yields and lovely fall weather for wheat planting. Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, is thankful for you, dear listener, for sending in photos, questions, plot results and more, and on this week’s podcast hear some of what’s… Read More
If you’ve never seen soybeans sprouted in the pod, this is the podcast post for you! In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has some surprising (and wooly) solutions to using oats that made it to head, plus he’s got many thoughts on phosphate applications, and he wants everyone to invest... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has got so many agronomy answers this week, and two very important reminders. First off, check in with someone you haven’t talked to in a while, it may be a really warm memory for years to come, and, second, if you’ve ever seen a young person driving a tractor on the... Read More
A week of unseasonably hot, dry weather has crops roaring to the finish line, which has those same crops exhibiting some interesting symptoms. On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson explains what the heck is happening to corn plants, why the combine needs to move quickly into the beans, and why... Read More
It’s time for another episode of Wheat Pete’s Word! On this episode, host Peter Johnson has a plan for letting clover grow as long as possible without sacrificing weed control, he explains why plants in the residue swath need more N, and why cereal rye is an answer to fleabane, not THE answer. Have a... Read More
It’s hurry up and wait for many anxiously planning silage harvest, edible bean burndowns, and fall fertility passes. As September gets rolling, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson encourages everyone to take a breath, call a friend to check in and use your Wheat Pete 15 for good. Got it? Good, then we move on to a... Read More
The ideal seeding window for fall seeded crops seems to creep up on even the most prepared of farmers. That might be because, for some crops, the ideal window is incredibly early — like this week, in the case of winter canola for example. That’s one hot topic in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word podcast,... Read More
There are more than a few seeding, fertilizing, and scouting questions to wade through in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word podcast, and that’s exactly how host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson likes it. Before answering the top agronomy questions, though, Johnson has two reminders for all of us on being courteous and on taking care of... Read More
Strange weeds, changing leaves, burndown options, and crop lodging are all hot topics this week on Wheat Pete’s Word. As always, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has some Agronomy Answers to your top questions this week, plus some insights into the value of fungicide in oats and wheat this season, and why scouting edible beans... Read More
The rain clouds can’t seem to find the fields that would welcome the rain, and that’s just as true in Ontario as it is in large parts of Saskatchewan. The corn crop in Ontario is on-trend for an average finishing date, as are the soybeans, as both crops ran into poor planting conditions, says Peter... Read More
It’s time to close out July with some important reminders, a plan for trying new things, and a prompting to check for ladybugs. On this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson also has to correct his math on soil organic matter goals, but that’s OK, that’s how we learn. Listen on to hear... Read More
There are some very sad looking low spots in parts of southwestern Ontario, as excess water and water logged soils make growing difficult, especially for dry beans and soybeans. Despite the rain, a stretch of better weather in the last week did mean that plenty of wheat has been harvested, so Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson... Read More
The summer of downpours continues for Ontario as another major storm system moved across southern Ontario leaving rivers and creeks swollen, roads closed, and crops under water. How long can crops survive submerged? That’s a common question this week and one Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson answers in the podcast. Also up for discussion:... Read More
Plenty of combines were rolling earlier this week before the wall of water that is the remnant of hurricane Beryl hit Ontario. Not only did this weather system bring sheets of water, but it may also have brought more tar spot spores from the south. Tar spot has already been found in Ontario, says Peter... Read More
How much does lodging affect yield? It all depends on when the crop goes down. Evidence of that is showing up on Ontario yield monitors in the winter barley fields and will be coming to a wheat field near you in the coming week, says Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word. The other thing... Read More
Last week’s intense heat and humidity across much of Ontario had significant impacts on several crops, some of them good, some of them not so good. Heat-loving crops, such as corn, had a rip-roaring week, blasting through leaf stages, however any spring cereals in the flowering stage or crops with poor root growth suffered in... Read More
If you put your feet in the oven and your head in the freezer, on average, you’re at a perfect temperature. This week, Ontario is an oven and Western Canada is an icebox, and both extremes create challenges for farmers. There are plenty of questions about spraying in these hot conditions, and some winter crops... Read More
It’s not just insects that may have a jump on the crop this year in Ontario — weeds are large and in charge, and diseases, such as tar spot, could blow up from the U.S. much earlier than last year. But that’s not all the agronomic knowledge you’ll glean from this episode of Wheat Pete’s... Read More
It’s stroke awareness week! Peter Johnson starts off this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word by talking about both volunteering and the importance of catching strokes early. Medical procedures can now reverse almost all of the negative impacts of a stroke if they can be treated within the first four to six hours. Remember the acronym... Read More
It’s a long one! Peter Johnson has lots to say on this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. It starts with road safety. Be careful out there, especially when turning with traffic behind you. Planting is finishing up for many in Ontario, but some growers just can’t seem to catch a break and miss the rain;... Read More
What a difference a week makes! For many parts of Ontario, corn and soybeans are up and loving the heat, but the mid and eastern parts of the province are still struggling to get the crop in as conditions are quite wet. The early warmth has also brought on stripe rust in wheat (scout!), more... Read More
As promised, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is answering the very difficult question of when to swap out corn hybrids on this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. If the weather doesn’t cooperate for eastern Ontario growers especially, farmers may have to move to shorter season hybrids as early as next week. But don’t worry, this week’s... Read More
Tissue test, soil test, gut check, patience. That sums up this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word in a nutshell, but don’t worry, we’ve got a full summary of the 20 minutes of agronomy answers below. This week, Peter Johnson covers some key deficiency issues with wheat (sulphur and manganese), answers some phosphorus questions, and... Read More
There’s something about the calendar flip to May that injects a sense of urgency to planting and seeding plans. Is it go time? Well, it might be — and already has been for some both in the west and the east — but the weather calls the shots this week, and some areas are just... Read More
Agriculture is the art of applying the science — this is definitely the case when it comes to figuring out how few tillage passages are enough and if the quest for zero is actually the goal. As part of this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses the importance of no-till and... Read More
Calendar dates can be thrown out when it comes to scouting for weeds and early nitrogen application in Ontario, as growing degree accumulation is well ahead of normal. As part of this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses the implications of crops being ahead of schedule, the confirmation of glyphosate-resistant lamb’s... Read More
Once the snow is gone, it’s time to assess how the fall-seeded crops have fared. For much of Ontario, they not only did well, they’re already growing like weeds! For some areas of the province, the winter wheat crop is as much as five days ahead of the 10-year average. That’s where we start with... Read More
Here’s something you maybe didn’t know: Host of The Word, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson started Wheat Pete’s Word a full NINE years ago, back before podcasts were cool. So let’s kick off the 10th year with something really special — like the second warmest winter on record since 1895! Johnson also discusses evaluating geese damage... Read More
It’s the last week of March but the weather has turned cool and more average for this time of year. That means there’s plenty of questions streaming in as farmers get ready to hit the fields. This week on Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has to make good on a bet, we learn about... Read More
It’s too soon to know if March will leave like a lion or a lamb, but points west are getting some heavy snow and much of Ontario is back to very cool and even cold temps. Cooler temps haven’t slowed down farmers’ enthusiasm for frost seeding or putting on some nitrogen and sulphur on wheat... Read More
It won’t be long before planters and seeders are rolling for #plant24, but some areas will be well ahead of others, like southern Ontario. The mild winter has certainly got many thinking about field passes. From nitrogen and sulphur applications, to manure, and even maybe some early planting, wheels are turning. And with that comes... Read More
How did March begin where you are? If it came in like a lion does it leave like a lamb? Chances are slim, as Old Wives’ Tales aren’t usually very dependable, but we’ll soon find out as wicked weather hit the west but Ontario is nearly a month ahead of the calendar. For Peter “Wheat... Read More
Oh my goodness, what a wild swing in temperatures! Ontario hit some record high daytime temperatures for February, only to have a huge cold front move in that had already socked in the Prairies. As much as we’d all like to think this is spring, it only feels that way. The calendar still says February,... Read More
When you think about managing crop residue breakdown, do you think about the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the residue? If not, it might be time to do so, as genetic advancements in corn, for example, has actually made it somewhat harder for stalks to breakdown. That’s just one discussion in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s... Read More
A good portion of Ontario is nearing the end of what has been a very mild winter. Bare and sometimes thawed ground has many farmers asking if it’s too early for clover, for frost seeding, for tillage, and for patching in wheat crops. There’s also a saying that goes, “just because you can doesn’t mean... Read More
What’s one thing you love about agriculture in Canada? Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson wants us all to celebrate and share whatever that is next Tuesday on Canada’s Ag Day! Johnson’s got some thoughts on how to best share our thoughts about agriculture in this week’s podcast, but don’t worry, there’s also plenty of agronomic questions... Read More
Pop quiz: does water vapour insulate, and do cover crops cost yield? The answers: yes, and sometimes. To dive into to how cover crops might cost in yield potential but still save fuel, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson kicks off another episode of the Wheat Pete’s Word podcast. Also on the episode: how a milder winter... Read More
It’s Wednesday, so that means it’s time for another episode of Wheat Pete’s Word! It’s also Bell Let’s Talk Day, a day designed to raise awareness about mental health and taking care of it. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is a fan of doing that year-round, of course, with his Wheat Pete’s 15. Once you’ve done... Read More
Winter is making itself known across all of Canada this week, after a polar vortex descended on Alberta, all the way to Ontario getting hit with snow, wind, and cold temps (for Ontario, mind you). That sparked some questions on fall-seeded crop survival, including canola, alfalfa, and wheat, which host Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson answers... Read More
Corn has some leaf lessons to teach us, if only we’ll listen. That’s just one of the take-home messages from last week’s Ontario Ag Conference, the SWAC stop, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this week’s podcast. There’s also a discussion on soil health, managing cover crops, and nitrogen use efficiency in corn. Have a... Read More
Happy New Year! What an incredible start to the year with the launch of the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Toronto lost, but so did Ottawa (in OT) on January 2. Not the greatest start for Ontario teams, but host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson will take it. On to agronomy, this week’s challenge is to think... Read More
Happy holidays, one and all, and gather ’round as it’s time for the last episode of Wheat Pete’s Word for 2023! For this episode, host Peter Johnson is coming to you from the city of London — the British one — where he’s spending time with family, but also touring some farms and research plots... Read More
It turns out that even Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is mortal, and in this week’s podcast you’ll likely end up feeling a little sorry for Mr. Johnson, as his voice has fallen victim to the winter woes. Nonetheless, our intrepid host of Wheat Pete’s Word still has managed to record this episode and in it... Read More
Hello, December! On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson gets further in to the soil organic matter discussion, including the long-term legacy of manure applications, talks sulphur management, and compares some findings on the ROI on fungicide on corn. Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to address or some field... Read More
As the holidays approach, two things become increasingly true: we have a much clearer picture of the final tally of the growing season, and it’s never been more timely to reach out and check in with those you maybe haven’t spoken with in a while. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson... Read More
If you’re looking to be fully entertained, check out Thistle Theatre this week and see host of Wheat Pete’s Word Peter Johnson take to the stage! If you’re looking to learn and get answers to the latest agronomic questions — hit play below or download this week’s podcast for later. In it, you’ll find a... Read More
What’s worse than corn becoming a mess in the field? Corn becoming a mess in a bin or silo! On that not-so-happy note, we kick off this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, where host Peter Johnson makes an apology for a mistake, encourages everyone to send in plot results, and runs down answers to... Read More
Mother Nature is not smiling on Ontario corn growers trying to get the ’23 crop out of the field. Concern over increasing DON levels is high and dry-down is slow. Plus, there’s concern over rutting or compacting the fields if conditions stay wet. That’s just one conversation in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word... Read More
No one likes snow in October, but it’s especially unwelcome when there is still crop in the field. For Manitobans, it looks more like December than November 1 out there, but at least harvest is done. For Ontario, however, so many thousands of acres of corn are now very wet and covered in snow, and... Read More
A frosty week in Ontario and a snowy one out west means all those pre-winter jobs just moved up the priority list a notch or two. For Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, that just means there’s more time-sensitive topics to cover on this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. From an alert on corn harvest field... Read More
The sun might come out tomorrow, or the next day, or another day, we hope, as Ontario farmers are hoping to wrap up bean harvest and get at corn in earnest. Not being in the field means Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, has plenty of questions to tackle from the audience, including compaction... Read More
If you’re waiting for a sign to pick up the phone and check in with a friend, this is it. Yesterday was Mental Health Day and host Peter Johnson wants you to take the Wheat Pete 15 challenge and call up someone just to chat. That’s just one tidbit from this episode of Wheat Pete’s... Read More
What do you call an early October that feels more like summer than early fall? A lucky break for those with corn that’s a fair ways away from black layer, that’s what. Ontario’s corn growers are counting their blessings this week, as very warm sunny days are helping move the crop to maturity. But all... Read More
There are some problems you just can’t avoid — like ending up with wheat roots in drainage tile after big yields — but every challenge has a solution and it comes down to making hay while the sun shines. No, not actual hay, as we are in the critical harvest period, but if the soil... Read More
There’s some trouble lurking in the Ontario corn crop by the name of gibberella. Farmers are also busy getting what wheat they can get in and are asking some really great questions of the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson. Also in this week’s podcast, catch a conversation about straw losses by raking, lowering... Read More
How come the corn plants are so tall this year? It’s all about early season temperatures, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word podcast. Plus, listen on or download for later to learn about maximum nutrient impacts, root issues in disguise, cool weather impacts and more! Have a question you’d like... Read More
Are you ready for an agronomy Q&A? On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson is ready with some timing questions on #plant24, comparing this year’s weather to 1993 (why, though?) answers several questions on cover crop management, taking out a hay stand, and starting off winter wheat. Have a question you’d... Read More
Goooooood day, and welcome to this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word! On this episode of The Word, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson asks about BIG soybeans, bad weeds, and of course, seeing as it’s the end of August — it’s agronomy, agronomy, agronomy. Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to address or some field... Read More
A less than ideal wheat harvest hasn’t dampened a lot of excitement over wheat yields in Ontario, as some great averages are trickling in. The biggest question popping up on Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson’s radar right now is how to get next year’s wheat off to the best start while beans are still standing. The... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is back from a refreshing vacation full of family and fun, and he’s ready to share The Word once again. In this week’s episode, Johnson discusses tar spot risk, late white mould infection, aphid thresholds, and much more! Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to address or some field results... Read More
We are in for a treat this week as host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson, sends us this weekly podcast update while on vacation in Portugal. In the line up for today’s discussion: test weight vs. yield, falling number and binning wheat, stored grain pests, struggling beans, and some great discussion on cover crop... Read More
Green silks are slow to show up in some areas of Ontario — what gives? It’s early August and most of the corn should be tasseled by now, but July weather just didn’t push the crop as far ahead as is expected, explains host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Why... Read More
July is winding down and some Ontario crops are having a sad time summer. Wheat that’s still in the field is suffering quality loss with every heavy downpour (there have been many), and edible beans and soybeans are yellowing from excess water and/or poor drainage. What can be done about this week’s challenges? Host Peter... Read More
Nothing good happens to mature wheat left in the field, and Peter Johnson is pretty thankful that some elevators are taking wheat at 17 per cent moisture to keep combines rolling. It takes a village, sometimes. For this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Johnson also discusses compaction, rescue nitrogen on corn and beans, why... Read More
Corn growers who dodged the tar spot bullet last season are unlikely to be nearly so lucky this year, as the disease has been identified in southern Ontario and conditions are conducive to its spread. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has that discussion on this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, plus an insect alert, an... Read More
Unfortunately, when it comes to Mother Nature, there’s no equality in the weather. Regardless, #harvest23 for winter cereals is underway in parts of Eastern Canada, and will continue through the country in the upcoming weeks. There are a few things Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson wants to hit on before everyone is in full-blown harvest mode,... Read More
Perhaps Mother Nature heard the call for rain just a little too loudly, as some areas of Ontario experienced violent storms and huge downpours over the last week. The early dry conditions did set the cereal crops back, but this moisture could make for a tidy yield improvement says host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter... Read More
It certainly isn’t every year that Wheat Pete’s Word AND the longest day of the year fall on the same day, but hey, we’ll celebrate! On this episode, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is talking about the weather, because as we know, weather drives everything in crop production. Johnson has a quick alert to get... Read More
If some Wheat Pete’s Word is good, then more is better, or at least that’s what the listeners are saying about these somewhat-extended versions of the podcast. Host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson isn’t known for being short on words, but lucky for all of us, he’s using a bunch of them answering your questions this... Read More
Pop quiz: do dry conditions automatically mean a dialling back of nitrogen rates on corn? This is a tricky question to answer as very dry conditions for prolonged periods can impact yield potential, but dry conditions also mean nitrogen is less available to the plant, so it’s a tough call. For the answer to why... Read More
Sluggish soys and crusted corn has many Ontario farmers wondering what the heck is going on with these crops. Well, when you look at the weather data for the month of May, the answer becomes pretty clear: this latest heatwave notwithstanding, it’s been cool to cold for much of the month! Is there anything that... Read More
What do armyworms, alfalfa weevils, physiological fleck, and wooden heads have in common? They are all a part of this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word with host Peter Johnson. Listen below, in your podcast app, or browse the quick summary listed below the podcast! And don’t forget, if you don’t have time — you... Read More
Chilly to downright cold nights have some Ontario farmers worried about alfalfa, wheat, and beans. Of course, if you look west, the heat is on and so are the wildfires, obscuring the sun for much of Alberta. For this week’s around-the-horn on agronomy updates, host of Wheat Pete’s Word Peter Johnson tackles the frost question,... Read More
On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s World, we get a glimpse at fall seeded crops from west and east and reports of our first fields harvests! Never heard of triticale as a silage crop? This episode is for you, as host Peter Johnson shares some recent results from Ontario experiences of a new triticale... Read More
Water, water, water — in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, the topic of water comes up several times. From ancient lakes, to wet weather, to the erosive power of water, to mixing order for spray solution, water is a hot topic this week. Also on this week’s Word, host Peter Johnson says nay to... Read More
Fields are warming up, greening up, and getting fit to plant — but it seems no matter where in Canada you farm, it’s cool to cold and not warming up in a hurry. For this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has some updates regarding early wheat management, some tips on the... Read More
What the heck, winter? Please see yourself out, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, because Canada has a crop to plant! On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, you’ll hear about whether or not early planted beans and corn are going to be OK, how to avoid clumpy fertilizer issues, and legacy of manure applications.... Read More
It’s summertime, says Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word. Well, maybe not quite, but it’s sure feeling a heck of a lot more like spring out there. In this weeks’ episode of the Word, Johnson discusses erosion and tillage, record temperatures, a positive attitude, and more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address... Read More
The weather outside might be frightful, especially for the first week of April, but Wheat Pete’s Word is so delightful! This week on the podcast, host Peter Johnson makes some very important clarifications on sulphur concentration in fertilizer products, talks erosion events and manure application compaction, and throws out a new challenge to listeners regarding... Read More
Purple wheat, especially at this time of year, is not anything that can be fixed, unless you can manage to change the weather to warm up in a hurry. Spring warm up is a big focus of this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word — from making the call on clover additions, to early S... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is set to ruffle some feathers this week as he makes the bold claim that it’s been too warm. Too warm!? Spring seems to be taking its time arriving this year, but Johnson explains what he means and why it might change the scouting schedule. Also on this week’s Wheat Pete’s... Read More
Is liquid fertilizer more or less available to the plant than granular? Is planting barley after potatoes a bad idea? Why would some soybean plants be green in a field of yellow plants? There are just a handful of the questions posed this week to the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson. In the... Read More
Let’s talk fertility! There are some great questions coming in to Peter Johnson on phosphate, base saturation being useful, tissue tests, and more, so that’s where Wheat Pete’s Word is focused this week. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree with something he’s said? Leave him... Read More
March 1 marks a special occasion — it’s the first day of meteorological spring! What does that really mean? Not much for the day to day stuff, but is important for measuring and comparing weather parameters. That’s the kick off to this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Host Peter Johnson can feel the beginning of spring... Read More
Someone get the man a party hat — Peter Johnson has hosted 400 episodes of Wheat Pete’s Word! For anyone doing the math, Pete records 50 to 51 episodes a year (depending on if he takes any holidays), so this is a real milestone for Johnson. On this episode of the Word, Johnson doesn’t spend... Read More
It’s Canada’s Ag Day, and it’s time to celebrate the food and farmers you love. How are you celebrating? That’s how Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson kicks off this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word before diving in to the topics and questions of the week, including if cover crops are really going to be dead come spring,... Read More
It seems any time is a good time for the Wheat Pete 15 — that’s taking 15 minutes out of your week to call someone you haven’t checked in with in a while. This week, that reminder is especially poignant, as you’ll hear in Wheat Pete’s Word, below. Also in this week’s podcast, host Peter... Read More
Welcome, February! For this first dip in to the shortest month of the year, host of Wheat Pete’s Word Peter Johnson has an uplifting message of yield, yield, yield. There was a new record set on wheat production in the UK, and that’s got Pete talking achieving the most of potential yield, plus he’s got... Read More
Every day is a good day to phone a friend and see how they are doing, but especially today, when mental wellness is in the spotlight: make sure to use your Wheat Pete 15! And on that note, we begin this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, where host Peter Johnson answers your questions on... Read More
The gears are turning and so is the question machine for Wheat Pete’s Word! On this week’s episode, host Peter Johnson is tackling plenty of the great agronomy questions that have rolled in over the last week, plus he shares some great quips and quotes heard in learning sessions over the last few weeks. Listen... Read More
Now that the holiday season is behind us, we are full steam into meeting season. There’s so much to learn out there — for you, and for the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. Keep sending stuff Pete’s way, and don’t forget, if you see him out and about, please say hi!... Read More
Welcome back to Wheat Pete’s Word! Host Peter Johnson is back in the host seat, even while working hard presenting and coordinating in-person learning opportunities around Ontario. In this first episode of 2023, Johnson tackles forward thinking on building base fertility, discusses what’s worse for wheat (too cold, too much water, breaking dormancy), and joins... Read More
As the calendar winds down, so too does the work week and the routines of week in and week out. And so it is with the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Pete Johnson, as he offers this, the last Word of the year. For this week’s podcast, Johnson has a little agronomy and a lot... Read More
When it comes to balancing nitrogen cost, with type, with application set up — is there an easy way to save some money? Yes, and no, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word podcast. N fertilizer choice does depend on planting or seeding set up, for one, and row spacing and... Read More
Before you know it, the days are going to start getting longer, just as meteorological winter begins! And what does winter really mean? Conference season! In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson answers your questions left on the phone line, offers some solid life advice from an astronaut, and shares his... Read More
If you’re in love with wheat, and really, who isn’t, is it worth skipping a fungicide in soybeans to get wheat in sooner? That’s a big question and one that requires a few more perspectives than just fungicide use, so host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson, tackles that in this week’s episode. Plus, we’ll... Read More
How cold does it need to be to try and harvest snowed-in corn? That answer depends on the combine you’re running, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson on this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. This week’s episode also features a discussion on nitrogen management, losses, cover crop tie-up of nutrients, and an increase in fines on... Read More
What is your time worth? This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word encourages everyone to slow down for two major reasons: one, time is fleeting and the years we get with our kids and our loved ones are short; and, two, working safe on the farm and the roads requires a stop, look, act approach.... Read More
Corn on corn shouldn’t be the plan, but when it is, make sure the stalks are baled and returned as manure, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. In this early November episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, our host shares insight in to what’s causing corn field fires, how much stress tolerance has improved in crop types,... Read More
What does triticale have to do with reduced soybean yields? What’s the payoff to longer season hybrids? And why on earth would someone rake up corn?! Tap below (or download for later) and hear this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word for all these answers and so much more. Have a question you’d like Johnson... Read More
Halloween may be just days away, but we’re trying to make things as scary as possible around here. Want to be horrified by thistles in IP beans? What about the spectre of DON-heavy corn? Shriek at the thought of disappearing yield! That’s right, this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word is full of super scary agronomic... Read More
The password is: Incredible! This week, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is PUMPED about a number of things, including some new records, and some very cool plot results. Plus, he shares some listener feedback and a challenge to support a great organization. Oh, and there’s some great agronomic discussions, too. Have a question you’d like... Read More
Finally, there is some plot data coming in for discussion! And that makes host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, incredibly happy. Why? Because even a “no yield response” is a valuable lesson and it’s more fun when we all learn together. In this week’s episode, Johnson talks corn harvest, weed control, and... Read More
In case you were wondering, this is episode 381 of Wheat Pete’s Word. That’s a whole lot of agronomy, with host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, and we’ve got plenty more! It’s almost Thanksgiving, and there are so many things to be thankful for. Keep those things at the forefront of your mind as we head... Read More
The host of Wheat Pete’s Word has a jam packed episode, as always, for you today! Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson covers some quick updates from growers in the Maritimes, as they deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. As well, he’s hopeful that he’s going to win (win what, we’re not sure), as yields are... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is feeling pretty good this fall, as Ontario yield numbers on his very favourite wheat crop are rolling in, and the yields are pretty strong. Will it be a new provincial record? That’s yet to be determined, but the numbers are promising. This week, the host of Wheat Pete’s Word tackles... Read More
It’s farm show week in Ontario, but it’s also the very beginning of soybean harvest in the province. The agronomy questions continue to roll in, especially for those keen producers looking to grow great wheat. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson has plenty of answers on perfecting wheat planting and much more! Have... Read More
How many times a season do you leave a test strip? Many test strips happen by accident — like running out of pop-up fertilizer, or forgetting to turn the sprayer back on — but lessons learned from a test strip are just as valuable whether left on purpose or because of a whoops. In this... Read More
On Wednesdays we listen to Wheat Pete’s Word. Welcome back to another episode as we close out August and look forward to September. On today’s show, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson dives into some of the yield numbers coming out of Ontario, which in most areas, are turning out better than expected. He also goes over... Read More
A wordlet. What a weird word, says RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter Johnson. Today’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word is just that — a wordlet — because it’s not a full episode. (And also, it’s Friday, not Wednesday, so how about that!) If you haven’t had a chance to check out this weeks’ full episode, do... Read More
Wednesdays are for Wheat Pete’s Word! This late August episode of the Word features some yield estimates with a discussion on whether to over- or under-estimate, a first look at fungicide pay-back on wheat, the mightiness of rye in rotation, and why waterhemp is a menace. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or... Read More
How early is too early for wheat? How late is too late for tar spot to steal yield? Are too-late silks a high-risk for gibberella? This week’s version of Wheat Pete’s Word tackles those questions and much more! Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree with... Read More
There’s so much going on this week in agriculture! In the west, field days are winding down, but there are still a few chances for Ontario growers to participate in some learning events, including an upcoming field day on compaction. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is encouraging all to attend, and also covers the top agronomic... Read More
August is officially here and it’s time for another edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. On this week’s instalment, RealAgriculture’s Peter Johnson has a few surprises. Unfortunately for many, we aren’t talking about the good kind of surprise. Johnson discusses some of the ongoing and surprise insect issues plaguing producers along with diseases that have recently... Read More
We’re rounding out the last full week of July, and some areas of Ontario are just getting by with a few dribs and drabs of rain here and there. Still others have enjoyed plentiful moisture and will be on patrol to find signs of western bean cutworm, white mould, and aphids. For this week’s edition... Read More
When it comes to yield, is it heads per square foot that matter the most or an ideal grain fill period? This year, at least, a pretty great grain filling period is making up for fewer than ideal heads, reports Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, so that’s something, but not something we can control — unlike... Read More
Some areas of Ontario got a much needed shot of rain this week, but several corn fields in the southern regions are rolling up and hurting for moisture at a critical time. Host Peter Johnson tackles why that matters in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, plus he navigates the tar spot risk spectrum,... Read More
What an odd summer this has been already! Too wet in some areas, far too dry in others, a mean flip from one to the other, and too much wind. The markets have done some wild swings, too, and the host of Wheat Pete’s Word has decided to move to England! Well, OK, he’s visiting... Read More
Sometimes, it’s the weather than gets farmers excited about double cropping, other times, it’s crop prices. The 2022 growing season looked like it was shaping up for an early wheat harvest in Ontario but recent dry weather has slowed things down. This week on Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson tackles water use in corn... Read More
The sins of the spring are expected to show up about now in the crop, but what about weather conditions last fall? This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word fields several questions about strange observations in the field: from stressed corn, weirdly tall wheat, tire-track greenness and much more. Have a question you’d like Johnson... Read More
What’s happening this week in Canadian farm fields? Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has the latest questions and some answers. In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Pete tackles clover and hay questions, thin wheat stands, planting depth on corn and how to get that last bit of N on the wheat crop out west.... Read More
If you’re the happiest farmer in the world right now, you might be in Alberta, or maybe Ontario, as both regions got some much needed and timely rain respectively. For southern Manitoba and eastern Ontario, however, conditions are either get-the-seeder-stuck wet or make-the-wheat-pink wet. Early heat this season is pushing some insect populations higher than... Read More
It’s June 1st, do you know how many heads per square foot the tile-run wheat has? This last week has been one of scouting for the host of Wheat Pete’s Word. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has more than a few alerts and observations for the week’s podcast. From head counts and rapidly approaching T3 timing... Read More
It’s the last Wheat Pete’s Word of May! Very quickly are the growing months going to fly by… On this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses wild weather, why talking to the public matters, the importance of not beating yourself up, and so much more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to... Read More
It’s mid-May, but you almost wouldn’t know it by looking at seeding progress in Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan. Super-dry Alberta and suddenly-warm Ontario bookend the seeding and planting progress and average things out (what does average really tell us, anyway?). On this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson brings us up to... Read More
Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree with something he’s said? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Summary: Go time, y’all But go safe. Share the road, respect the farm equipment The Habs got the first... Read More
Don’t let the soil temp keep you from putting corn or beans in the ground, however, you will want to make sure the forecast isn’t calling for cold rain. That’s right, it IS May and that means that soil temperature as a guide to planting gets thrown out the window, but a cold drink of... Read More
Merry Christmas in April? Plenty of Ontario residents woke to snow this morning — does this mean planting will be delayed? Chill out, says Peter Johnson, in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. It’s only late April, and a little snow isn’t going to cause an issue. But, the growing season is underway, so it’s... Read More
Spring is clawing its way forward for many parts of Canada, but slowly. Snow continued to fall in Manitoba and parts of Saskatchewan over the Easter weekend, and even Ontario is getting a taste of a slow-to-start spring. The cold weather sure brings up some interesting questions regarding planting and seeding, nitrogen applications, weed control,... Read More
What a wild week in weather for much of the Northern Plains! The blizzard of decades is settling in on Manitoba, socking in many and closing the roads. Meanwhile in Ontario, the warm sunshine is setting up some winter wheat for nitrogen application, which brings us to some great questions for Wheat Pete’s Word. Host... Read More
If the weather cooperates in the next week or so, plenty of equipment will be rolling in Ontario. The ultra early seeding is already (or has already) happened in Western Canada, and some farmers are pretty excited to see if dormant seeding is the right call. And as we gear up for #plant22, farmers have... Read More
There are so many questions surrounding nitrogen management this spring, and for good reason. Nitrogen is darn expensive and might be hard to come by in the coming weeks. For this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson covers questions about split application N, N stabilizers, N credits and making the most of... Read More
As the snow recedes and fields begin to show up again, some farmers are itching to get going on field work — from frost seeding to early nitrogen. But, hold up. It’s way too early for N, even for forage crops, for the vast majority of Ontario right now. It’s not too early for clover... Read More
Crop nutrients are top of mind for just about everyone this week, from what the prices will be, to whether or not orders will even be fulfilled for eastern Canada, including Ontario and Quebec. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson talks about some of the logistical challenges of world... Read More
It won’t be long now until many Ontario farmers who put in winter wheat last fall will be anxiously watching crop green up and regrow to determine if the crop is worth leaving, or if it needs to be ripped out. Crop prices are good pretty much across the board — especially wheat — so... Read More
Spring has sprung — at least meteorologically — says host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. In this very first spring 2022 episode, he tackles a plethora of topics, including Soil Champion highlights, wheat exports, starter nitrogen, and more! Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send... Read More
Ask Wheat Pete and he’ll tell you that every day is Canada’s Agriculture Day, but for everyone else, it was February 22nd, and we hope you had a great time celebrating the people that make Canadian agriculture great. In this week’s podcast episode, host Peter Johnson tackles some key questions on Delta yield, the nutrient... Read More
If you’re thinking of using a foliar spray to fix a macro nutrient deficiency, just hold on — Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has some thoughts on that. That’s just one of the topics he covers on this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Also on the podcast, hear about other options for glyphosate, why phone calls... Read More
If you’ve been waiting for your question to be answered by Peter Johnson, today is your day. Yes, there are some talking points in this Wheat Pete’s Word, but Johnson has devoted most of this episode to Q and A! Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in?... Read More
Of course we’re in for six more weeks of winter, Groundhog, we live in Canada! You know what else you can expect for the next six weeks (and longer)? Wheat Pete’s Word! On this week’s episode, host Peter Johnson explores many topics, including some shifting thinking on sulphur, how nitrogen fertilizer can acidify soil, and... Read More
Who would have thought that wireworms would cause so many calls and concerns? A discussion from a few weeks ago has certainly opened — ahem — a can of worms on the topic, and we’re here to set the record straight, mostly. In this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, you’ll hear that, plus we... Read More
It’s always amazing to see how much can transpire in just one week. Since Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson returned from Montana last week, much of Ontario and the Prairies got a foot of snow or more, someone fell asleep on the listener line, and Pete owes someone a steak dinner over Ontario’s average corn yields.... Read More
What’s in that snoil? That’s snow and soil, in case you’re wondering (AKA snirt). That’s that “little” skiff of brown or black snow in ditches and in fact, there’s a heck of a lot of good stuff in that snoil. From nutrients to organic matter, top soil moved by wind erosion is some of the... Read More
In this first-of-the-year episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses Ontario Ag Conference (on now), soil nutrient bank accounts, and low volumes going through a combine. Plus, Johnson works through a tiling/drainage problem for clay textured knolls. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield results to send in? Disagree... Read More
It’s the last Wheat Pete’s Word of 2021! For this season-ending episode, host Peter Johnson tackles a few questions from the audience, including some phosphorus immobilization questions, and an encouragement to focus on the positive. Wheat Pete’s Word will be back the first week of January, and in the meantime make sure you take that... Read More
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to take the time to reflect on just how lucky we are to live in this part of Canada. This last week of wild weather in the U.S. is a reminder of that. And let’s not forget the hundreds of livestock producers may not be back home after... Read More
It would seem that there’s one thing Peter Johnson can count on from his loyal listeners: a stern finger wagging when he’s got something all wrong. Such is the case with last week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, where Johnson had the audacity to say manure was anything but magical. Have no fear, dear listeners,... Read More
If you’re already shopping around for next year’s seed supply for, well, everything, you’re probably going to be glad you did. To help make the decision on what to buy, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson says the corn hybrid information for Ontario is complete and ready for your scrutiny, and on this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word,... Read More
On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson talks about damaging wheat plants, upcoming sessions at the Ontario Ag Conference, economic rates of nitrogen, and foliar potash results. Is only one episode a week enough? Some of you say nay. For now, however, one will have to be enough. Have a question... Read More
Plow might be a four-letter word, but plenty of Ontario farmers are reaching for the primary tillage tool as a way to manage rutted fields this fall. What are the trade-offs when using the plow? For that answer, you’ll have to listen well towards the end of this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word; and in... Read More
Where on earth did all this corn yield come from?! Combines in Ontario are rolling through beans and on to corn, and the results are astonishing, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson in this episode of the Word. This week’s episode asks that question, plus delves into rust on winter wheat, wheat acres in the ground,... Read More
The numbers are rolling in — from fantastic corn yields, to unbelievable rain amounts in some areas of Ontario. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson asks for feedback on a few things, including what some of your favourite Wheat Pete sayings are, if you prefer rain in inches or millimetres (or either,... Read More
As we work through the final week of October, many Ontario farmers are feeling the stress of a very wet weather cycle impeding soybean and early corn harvest. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson knows it can be tough to be patient right now, so be sure to reach out to those around you and check in to... Read More
To butcher a phrase, not all wheat that turns yellow is lost. Reports of yellow wheat in areas of Ontario has many farmers asking what they can do about it, and the answer — very little — is one of the few downers in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. But don’t worry! It’s not... Read More
Goooood day. In this episode of the Wheat Pete’s Word, your host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson gives updates on all things ag related in Ontario, and beyond. Also in this week’s episode, Johnson has advice for scouting for fall armyworm in winter canola, when to harvest beans, corn stability, and much more. Listen on! Have... Read More
Sometimes it’s not what happens this year that really gets you, it’s what happened a year or more before. That’s at least part of the answer to one farmer’s problem discussed in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. From silage removal and slugs, to confusing discussions on test weights, and on to making that... Read More
It’s time to get pushy with your corn crop, Ontario! Wet fall weather is testing farmers’ patience and the standability of the Ontario corn crop. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson encourages farmers to check on stalk integrity and prioritize fields with less than stellar stalk strength. Also this week, there are... Read More
It’s the first official day of fall, and for Ontario, it appears that means all-day rain. What’s top of mind for late September? Wheat, of course! In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson covers a few of the depth, rate, and weed control questions he fielded this week. Plus, on this episode hear... Read More
The warnings about tar spot that started several years ago were, unfortunately, bang on. In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson shares some scouting stories from several counties where tar spot has been found in corn, and what farmers will likely have to plan for in 2022. Also in this episode,... Read More
Have you checked your corn cobs lately? On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson laments the state of some corn in the Ottawa Valley that is quite heavily infested with western bean cutworm. What happens with WBC and corn? Why, gibberella and DON production, of course. It’s all bad! Johnson also... Read More
September first marks the beginning of meteorological fall, but that doesn’t mean that summer is over. The growing season is still chugging along, and this week’s agronomy update even includes an insect outbreak alert (just when you thought it was safe to put the sprayer away!). In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter... Read More
Summer is winding down and many farmers are gearing up for the next stage of harvest. For some, that means swathing or timing a pre-harvest pass, and for others it means getting the cover crop seed down. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has a few cautions for late-summer pesticide applications,... Read More
The host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, is urging Ontario wheat growers to get those final yields reported so we can say once and for all if the province set a new record average wheat yield. There’s that in this week’s Word, plus a frank discussion on revenge spraying fungicide, why the... Read More
What’s the difference between weeds and a cover crop? You’ll have to listen on to this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word for the punchline. Listen below or download for later and hear host Peter Johnson who can’t believe the beans are turning already, wants to make Hay West happen, and talks clover success and weed... Read More
The agronomic impacts of what has been a wild year for the Ontario growing season are beginning to accumulate, in the form of rock hard soil, fuzzy white plants, and double cobs. For this early August episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson tackles the big question of making oat hay after wheat, if... Read More
It’s possible Ontario could set a new wheat record for 2021, and that’s saying something, as reports are that many fields are yielding smaller than average seeds. Also this week on Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson tackles if corn will yield double cobs, why you need to be out scouting the soybean canopy, and... Read More
A few key things are lining up for the corn crop — but they are not necessarily all good. The western bean cutworm flight and pollination are lining up nearly perfectly, and that means an increased risk of gibberella ear rot infection. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses another hit... Read More
What’s the weirdest colour you’ve ever seen a crop turn? This week in Ontario, at least one farmer is reporting very dark straw where the wheat crop was touched by frost in late May. An agronomist also reports purple stems in another area. What the heck is happening here? Never fear, as Peter “Wheat Pete”... Read More
Normally a week or so behind the winter barley crop, Ontario farmers are nosing into the wheat harvest a little early as the two crops are ready at about the same time. From an aphid alert on soybeans, to sneaky root rots, and potash deficiency showing up in corn, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has the... Read More
Lodged crops, flooded crops, and burning crops — there’s no shortage of crops under stress this week in Canada. Of course, there are also some tall, fast-growing corn crops, and in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson is covering the top agronomy questions of the week. From available nitrogen causing some issues to... Read More
The weather continues to deliver some real disappointment but also hope for farmers across Canada. In Ontario, a late May frost was bad enough, but mid-week saw night time temps dip low enough again to hurt crop on muck soils. Other areas hard up for moisture got perhaps too much rain all at once. For... Read More
Wheat in Ontario is in grain fill, and that means scouting for cereal leaf beetle. There’s also been plenty of rain in certain parched parts of the west, but it’s too much and way too late to save the crop. In this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses some insect alerts,... Read More
Another insect alert (this time for potato leafhopper), weather whammies and the effect on corn, corn nitrogen side-dress timing, and weed science research results all headline this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Will host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson get through all his chosen topics before he runs out of time? Listen in to find... Read More
Huge areas of Ontario saw frost over the weekend, in some cases as low as -7 degrees C. The full impact of the lighter frost in other areas is still being assessed, but there are replants already happening on plenty of soybean acres. Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson talks about that this week, and... Read More
A million dollar rain (for those that got some precipitation), notes on a hay crop, corn replants, and wheat fungicide T3 timing are just a few of the topics covered in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson also answers all sorts of questions about wheat, including yellowing, a virus in... Read More
As we approach the first long weekend of the summer season, farmers are thinking about relaying winter wheat and barley for forage, protecting N on dry ground, and skipping a pre-emergent herbicide pass. As to whether all or some (or none) of those are good ideas, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has the answers in this... Read More
What’s the cold weather doing to wheat crops, to the insect populations, and to the soil? In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson answers these questions; plus he talks road safety, cool stuff, insects, weed questions, dirt questions (ahem, soil), and more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some... Read More
April didn’t bring showers to Western Canada, and it didn’t bring heat to Ontario either. But the growing season in Ontario is still about 10 days ahead of average and that has some farmers well ahead of the norm for planted acres. This week on Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson covers a... Read More
Early spring weather has left some wheat feeling the burn of products applied before cold nights in Ontario. Out west, many farmers are still hoping for moisture before getting rolling for the #plant21 season. For this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson reminds listeners to take fifteen minutes out of their day to phone... Read More
A smattering of snow and sub-zero temps have hit much of Ontario, putting some fruit trees at risk and spurring plenty of questions about the impact on wheat, spraying, and more. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson answers those questions; plus, he offers advice on when to use a plant growth... Read More
The crops are flying. Not literally, but the winter wheat is growing fast! This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word has explanations of what growing degree day accumulation will do for winter wheat, plus the downsides of the warmer weather in Ontario. Also, our host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson explains what he means by “slow release rain”... Read More
Whether it’s in the too-dry conditions in the west, or the quite warm conditions of the east, farmers are getting rolling on some field work and seeding. This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word is all about answering the question of “if it’s time” — is it time for more or all the N? Is... Read More
Things are growing — including the weeds — as the rain is falling in eastern Canada. Parts of Ontario are getting the right amount of rain, while others are starting to drown. Oh, the fun of relying on Mother Nature. In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, our host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson talks plot... Read More
Yes, #plant21 is happening! Ontario farmers are getting in the field planting sugar beets, alfalfa, spring cereals, and even a bit of soybean prep is happening. In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson is talking snow mold in winter wheat, frost seeding, and spongy soils. Listen on for answers to so many... Read More
There’s good dry and too dry when it comes to the seeding and planting season. Right now Western Canada is far too dry, but Ontario is actually nearly the ideal amount of dry, with a few weeks to go before planting really begins. Some field work has begun in the east and some Alberta farmers... Read More
March means two things in Ontario: maple syrup and red clover. The weather is working okay for the early spring field work to begin in some areas, but maple syrup season is being interrupted by too-warm temps. That said, the warmer weather has many asking about red clover, early nitrogen, and more, on this week’s... Read More
You can’t get to 1000 episodes without first hitting three hundred, and here we are — episode 300 of Wheat Pete’s Word! For this week, remember that there’s a new number for Wheat Pete for both listening or leaving messages (but we’re glad you mostly listen/download it here), plus some solid numbers that back up... Read More
Congratulations again to Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson on being named one of the Top 50 in Ag under the Mentor category. Of course, part of why Pete’s such a great mentor is his valuable, regular contribution to RealAgriculture, including Wheat Pete’s Word! On this weeks’ edition of the Word, our host answers hairy vetch and... Read More
It’s only 11 days until the meteorological start of spring, which is pretty cool, but so are the temperatures in Ontario, in Western Canada, and all the way down to the southern U.S. On this Wheat Pete’s Word, our host Peter Johnson fields all sorts of questions about the cold, plus manganese, scaring away birds,... Read More
We know you’re just itching to get into the field, and there’s a light at the end of this tunnel! We’re starting to get more sunny days and that can provide 11 degrees of temperature difference, according to our curious host. In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson covers manure questions of all... Read More
In just a few weeks we’ll be itching to get going in the field, but in the meantime there’s plenty of questions to answer and prep to get done ahead of the very busy spring season. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson shares some surprising stats regarding frost-free day gains, plus... Read More
From yield results, to clover benefits, and on to potash, this week’s Word is full of the regular fare you’re used to. But new for this week is something you’ve probably never heard before — a song and a name for Pete’s pick-me-ups. Checking in with neighbours, ultra early seeding, and barley fertility are all... Read More
If you’re looking for the magic formula to growing great wheat, you’ve come to the right place. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson sums up how the soybean year finished off yield-wise for Ontario, why corn yields failed to impress, and then he digs in to the best crop ever — wheat!... Read More
This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word kicks off with a quick explanation and an update on host Peter Johnson’s “extra 15 minutes” concept. The agronomy questions keep rolling in, and this week, Johnson puts off some of the wheat questions and instead tackles some sulphur questions, forage questions, and questions on spring cover crops. Have a... Read More
Welcome to the first Wheat Pete’s Word of 2021! To kick off the year, host Peter Johnson has some key reminders (check those bins!) and answers to some of the top agronomy questions from the last growing season. He also shares about a successful “extra 15 minutes” and drops a “call your friends” challenge. Listen... Read More
As the Year of the Pandemic comes to a close, it’s time to take some time to rest, reflect, and ready ourselves for the year ahead. The holidays can be a tough time for many, and as Kara Oosterhuis wrote in a recent article here on RealAgriculture, it’s okay to not be okay. Peter “Wheat... Read More
In the pursuit of continuous learning, you’ve got to change things up every now and then. For this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson applies that concept to weed control and fertilizer rates and placement. There’s also plenty of discussion on the tried-and-true things we know too, like the danger of apply manure... Read More
When it comes to gauging the success of management decisions, it’s important to run more than one replication in a trial — observing differences is a great way to decide on what might deserve a closer look next year. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson shares some of the plot results that... Read More
In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson talks wheat physiology — it might be cold, but it’ll still photosynthesize — oats, changing the language around “recreational” tillage, controlled traffic, and so much more. Also, catch Pete on the most recent episode of The Agronomists, where he’s a guest alongside Jeremy Boychyn from Alberta’s... Read More
Nothing good happens after midnight, or when corn is left out in the field. Some farmers are learning that DON levels in corn can really spike if the crop has been left out to let that gibberella grow. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has that caution, plus a discussion on being... Read More
This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word features a lot of corn talk. But wait a minute Pete, isn’t your favourite crop wheat? Don’t worry, host Peter Johnson has quite a few corn questions, some chat about fall vs spring fertilizer applications, and eventually talks wheat. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address or some yield... Read More
If your wheat looks tough but the neighbour’s doesn’t, it’s time to sit down and try and figure out what impact your own management is having on your fields. That’s just one take-home message from this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Host Peter Johnson explains what the likely culprits are of purple, red, and yellow wheat,... Read More
Planting early isn’t just the mantra for wheat in the fall, it usually applies to corn in the spring, too. But as farmers submit data on final yields vs planting date, the full story of planting into cold or cold, wet soils is told. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson shares some... Read More
Yield results are trickling in, and regional differences sure do tell the tale of spring conditions and summer rain (or lack thereof) for the 2020 growing season. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, we take a look at crop yields across Ontario, but also into Quebec, and as far as the east coast. Also in... Read More
Corn in Ontario is finally drying down, just as the cold, wet, fall weather kicks into gear this week. But, hey, it’s not snow (sorry, Western Canada). In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson is answering plenty of your questions on soil fertility, fertilizer rates, and residue management considerations in conjunction with fertility... Read More
When the combine is running through those soybeans, how good of job is it doing at spreading the residue? Getting the wheat in right after the beans isn’t always just about timing — excellent field conditions and residue management matter too, says Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word. In this week’s episode, Johnson shares... Read More
Did September feel a little cool? Well, that’s because it was. Not that the month was that cold, but it was cool enough, and cool enough on consecutive days that the Ontario corn crop is taking for-ev-er to dry down. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson tackles some recent questions, offers encouragement,... Read More
It might be very dry in Ontario, but that means the crop can come off quickly and we can get the 2021 wheat crop locked and loaded. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has answers to seeding pinch points on meeting soil fertility needs, a few scouting tips on new and old... Read More
The last week hasn’t been kind to the Ontario grain crop as a light frost caused heavy damage to many edible beans, some soybeans, and corn. More than that, we’re in the heart of optimal winter wheat planting timing and conditions are dry — what’s a farmer to do? To answer that question, plus so... Read More
Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson talks a mile a minute in this one folks, buckle up! In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson answers all the agronomy questions about wheat seeding, cover crops, and weed control, in a Farmer Rapid Fire style. We see what you did there, Johnson, trying to be... Read More
They don’t call him Wheat Pete for nothing. It’s September and that means it’s time to talk about wheat, wheat, wheat. In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson is answering the most timely questions regarding the winter wheat crop, choosing seeding rates, the importance of seed treatments, and so much more.... Read More
In agronomy — as with most things in life — it can be important to put things into perspective and to always ask if you’re not sure of the answer. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist Peter Johnson gives us an overview of Ontario’s precipitation, some wheat problem solving (of course), and... Read More
In agronomy, sometimes it’s what you don’t do that adds value. At this time of year, that could mean not going in too early with a pre-harvest burn-down product, or parking the plow. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson tallies up the early results on the Ontario wheat crop, why edible bean... Read More
When there’s good wheat in abundance, those loads with sub-250 falling number are going to get dinged — and so begins some of the tougher lessons of this harvest season, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson. On this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, you’ll get a harvest season update, more on the cover crop survey for Ontario,... Read More
Who wants to learn a new weather term? Get on in here for this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word where — unfortunately — we learn there is a specific term for an inland hurricane. Also in this week’s episode, host Peter Johnson is talking cover crop adoption and cover crop options well into the fall, where... Read More
There comes a time when the questions, comments, and follow ups become so numerous, you’ve simply got to dive in and start handing out answers. For this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson is taking the “Farmer Rapid Fire” approach and answering as many listener questions as possible in 16 short minutes. In this... Read More
Hot, dry weather isn’t letting up for many areas of Ontario, and the impact of heat is showing up in wheat yields. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has got some timely reminders for farmers as we head into the middle of summer. From leafhoppers in alfalfa, to peak flight of western... Read More
Wheat yield results are starting to trickle in from across Ontario, and the verdict is… pretty good! In this mid-July edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Pete Johnson covers off what seems to have contributed to yield and what didn’t seem to hold the wheat crop back. Plus, there are some insect pressures to watch... Read More
As mid-July hits, much of Ontario got a million dollar rain, but it also came with incredible wind and wild weather for some places. Western Canada also experienced some volatile weather and parts of Alberta that are typically dry are actually saturated (and not in a good way). This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word focuses on... Read More
If you remember farming in 1988, this year may seem a little similar, at least for Ontario. That year, the drought broke in mid-July with a torrential downpour — are we in for something like that soon? Well, we won’t know for sure for a few days yet, but this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word does... Read More
For this special Canada Day edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has got answers to your timely agronomic questions. The good news is there are no alerts this week, but that doesn’t mean you can let the throttle off scouting — there are insect pests creeping in and populations can grow very quickly!... Read More
The longest day of the year has come and gone and we are heading into the thick of summer crop-growing weather. With the heat (and in some cases downpours!) come the agronomy questions and Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is ready to answer whatever it is you can throw at him. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s... Read More
Some years are disease years and some are insect years. 2020 is shaping up to be an insect year, which is perhaps not surprising given the dry bias to the weather. In this mid-June edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson answers so many of your agronomic questions, including what to do about armyworm... Read More
Mother Nature is perhaps not always that motherly, but every now and again she does throw us a bone. This last week in Ontario was pretty good on the average, with some timely rains in some areas and some first-cut haylage wrapping up. But the timely rain has also brought along some storms, and heat,... Read More
Weed control questions, millipede feeding, and a crusting quandary — it must be early June! This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word is a little longer than usual because there is just so much going on and so many great questions rolling in. Host Peter Johnson has got the answers this week to everything from tufted vetch... Read More
Someone has flipped the switch from our cold weather woes, because it’s now summer in Ontario – with all the challenges and joys that the hot weather brings. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson flags a crop alert (it’s too early, but we’re starting there anyway), gives crop updates on corn and... Read More
Alfalfa is so cool, it can run ice in its “veins.” Or at least, that’s the best explanation we’ve got for the crop making it through extremely cold weather earlier this month. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson discusses both alfalfa and wheat’s adaptability, swapping corn varieties based on the calendar, inoculating... Read More
The weather feels more like mid-April than mid-May, and many farmers in Ontario are worried about corn and soybean seed in the ground and wheat heads above ground. There are reasons to be concerned, as nighttime temperatures over the last week have dipped very low and sometimes for the entire night. In this week’s Wheat... Read More
After a decent start to the spring season, Ontario’s weather has done a bit of a 180 and turned cool and damp. What does it mean for planting and spraying? In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson covers why tank contents might be more important than temperature when it comes to... Read More
This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word has got some good news, some good ideas, and finally a discussion on just how terrible timothy really is as a forage option. Host Peter Johnson answers questions on a crop’s first drink of water, how much starter fertilizer you can pack into strip-till strips, and reminds growers that armyworm... Read More
Western Canada is working on its tan and getting some crop in the ground, while Ontario gets snow squalls. But a few flurries won’t stop all fieldwork from happening, and this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word has a few updates and answers to the top agronomy questions. From a look at how far crop storage has... Read More
It’s time for Episode B of the mid-April Wheat Pete’s Word! (Check out Episode A here) On this episode, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson focuses on soil nutrients, specifically phosphorus and potassium (potash, K). And hey, there’s even a great explanation of how to put more fertilizer down at seeding without endangering the seed —... Read More
Sometimes a small gesture can go a long way to improve your day. So, lucky Wheat Pete’s Word fans, host Peter Johnson has a special gift for you — not one, but TWO podcasts this week. There’s just that much to cover, friends. For this Part A of the April 15th edition, Johnson shares some... Read More
We’ve got our first ALERT of the season, and it’s a great one! Yup, that’s right, there’s rhubarb poking through the soil, and even some asparagus is up in Ontario. Our apologies to large parts of Western Canada that got a foot of snow this past week. The somewhat ahead-of-schedule warmth has the questions flooding... Read More
We’re glad to see that most people went easy on the April Fools jokes, as it seems that life right now is one big prank — what with COVID-19 tanking the economy, taking lives, and adding so much uncertainty to the economy. But, dear friends, all is not awful, and there’s still a crop to... Read More
If there’s one thing farmers should understand, it’s biosecurity — and yet, somehow there are many who aren’t taking the physical distancing protocol seriously. Wheat Pete, for one, is having none of it. Of course, the host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson, only spend a little bit of time on that topic for this... Read More
There’s no denying that the COVID-19 outbreak is having a huge impact on our daily lives. But even among the negativity and scary unknowns, there is some good — like maple trees pushing out buds and soil warming up and drying out in southern Ontario. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson has... Read More
Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson is a lot of things — dynamic and opinionated for starters — but he’s also rather humble. This episode marks 250 episodes of this podcast and he’s likely not going to make a big deal of it, but the rest of the RealAgriculture team is! In this 250th episode,... Read More
Welcome to March, which seems to be coming in like a lamb — we’ll have to see if the “out like a lion” holds true! March also means maple syrup, frost seeding, red clover applications on the wheat fields, and starting to nail down crop rotations and fertilizer rates. With many feeling the cash flow... Read More
While eastern Ontario is expected up to 50 cm of snow over the next few days, other parts of the province are starting to tap maple trees and get the frost-seeding equipment ready. It may be the last week of February, but there’s some serious spring fever happening all over the country! In the west,... Read More
If you’ve ever adopted a new way of doing things after attending a field day or conference, do you let the researcher or extension staff know? Sometimes, research can be a rather thankless job, and many researchers don’t hear back on their work being applied on-farm. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson came across just such an... Read More
Wide vs. narrow rows — which is best for top yields? As always, it depends. It depends on the crop you’re growing, your climate, and the architecture of the variety or hybrid you choose. There are other factors too, as discussed in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, with host Peter Johnson. Available equipment, what... Read More
Do you adjust plant populations, fertility, or other product applications on headlands? If not, why not? In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson answers questions on liquid vs. dry fertilizer and fertilizer set ups, plus what to do with soil test results on sandy soils. He also throws down the challenge of using precision... Read More
Have you thought about how much time you spend just re-filling during planting and seeding? Fill times for spraying often get plenty of attention, but there’s actually plenty of hours to gain at planting too, depending on your set up. In this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, a much healthier Peter Johnson is talking... Read More
You’ll have to excuse Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson’s voice for this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, as the poor lad is suffering from a terrible cold. But a little frog in his throat isn’t going to stop him from tackling the week’s questions, updates, and challenges. Get a quick summary of some of the recent... Read More
It’s been a week of wild weather: extreme cold in the west, and warm and very wet weather in the east. Understandably, overland flooding in Ontario has many farmers asking about the impact on the wheat crop. Peter Johnson has the answer you need in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Johnson shares some of the... Read More
It’s a new year, and we’re back with the first Wheat Pete’s Word of the decade! Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, says that although we are only eight days in, 2020 is already roaring ahead steadily. The mantra for 2020 according to Wheat Pete is “perfect vision.” If we can see clearly, we’ll... Read More
It’s December 18th, have you checked your corn bins lately? Host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson has more than a few public service announcements this week, and one of them is all about high moisture corn turning into big blocks of ice (and, conversely, yucky heated hot spots) in the bin. But before we... Read More
Here we are, just a few weeks from the holidays and the end of the calendar year, and many farmers are using every last bit of daylight to get the crop harvested and dried, if they can. When you’re pushing long hours in less than ideal conditions, sometimes safety gets thrown out the window, and... Read More
If you’ve been waiting for Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson to answer your question about soil sampling, you’re going to have to wait another week, because this week is mostly about corn, corn, and more corn. And that’s just the kind of week it’s been in Ontario, as corn harvest ever so slowly creeps towards complete... Read More
If this harvest season keeps up, Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson is going to have to change his name to Corn Bjorn. Because, yes, that’s nearly all he talks about in this week’s edition, but we promise it’s still interesting stuff, even if wheat hardly gets a mention. From what to do with high-fine... Read More
There was a time when most hoped that 2019 would turn out better than past challenging years, but the term “being 2019’d” has come to mean…well, insult being added to injury. From the ‘harvest from hell’ in the west, to wet, nasty weather hindering Ontario’s harvest, and now a rail strike already limiting propane access... Read More
No one wants to see crop under snow, especially when that crop is either a) not really ready to harvest or b) most of your acres. Western Canada has been hard hit by snow cover this fall, and it seems the early start to winter now extends to most of Ontario, too. The recent snowfall... Read More
Are you a hand-shelling corn kind of farmer, or do you like a hand-held moisture meter kind of person? We’ve got something for everyone in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, including some neat devices for moisture testing, why corn is drying down faster than many thought possible, and what’s up with funky-coloured wheat. In... Read More
There are a few treats out there in among the tricks of this harvest season. Surprisingly, mature corn and decent soybean yields are making some farmers happy as they put the 2019 growing season to bed, but there are plenty of areas still struggling with immature and wet corn and super low soybean yields. In... Read More
There are some surprising yields being reported across much of Ontario — some shockingly good, others disastrously bad. For at least one farmer, a timely rain or two on just half the field means the same surprise happened in the same pass of the combine. In this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter... Read More
Is frosted corn, toast? It all depends, says Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, so head on out and start checking those cob shanks! On this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, Johnson covers some key cover crop questions, why wheat seed rates might at max right now, and there’s some gibberella out there that needs attention. Have a... Read More
Western Canada got absolutely hammered by snow this last week, which brings up questions on lifters, stripper headers, and more. For Ontario, soybean harvest is late but rolling, and that means the questions about winter wheat seeding are also rolling in to Wheat Pete’s Word host, Peter Johnson’s mailbox! From when to bump seeding rates,... Read More
Welcome to another edition to Wheat Pete’s Word with your host and RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson! This week, Johnson is on the Soil Network tour, but even the cross-Ontario trek couldn’t keep him from recording this week’s Word. On this episode, learn about a new worm issue in corn, how the grain... Read More
If you’re a farmer trying to figure out how to get a handle on fleabane populations, you’re not alone. Last week, it was a top discussion at a grower meeting — Wheat Pete’s Word host Pete Johnson is using that as inspiration to tackle the topic in this week’s podcast. Listeners will also hear a... Read More
There are plenty of questions and feedback rolling in for host of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson. This week, Johnson is sharing some of the top marketing feedback he’s heard, what has worked and not worked for some with establishing, alfalfa, and he shares some insight into disease risks for the winter wheat crop following... Read More
What are those black spots on the corn stalks? And if I’ve got to choose between two types of fertilizer — how do I know which is worth it? This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word is full to the brim with questions and answers (just like host Peter Johnson likes!). You’ll hear about yield averages rolling... Read More
Farmers are watching the 14-day forecast like hawks in both Western Canada and Ontario, as cool conditions have slowed down crop development. Cereals in the west need time to mature, and the Ontario corn crop is weeks and weeks away from mature. Even with harvest underway, some are thinking about next year….because the winter wheat... Read More
From frost risks in the west, to nitrogen deficient corn in the east, and insect and weed issues in between, there’s no shortage of agronomic questions to tackle this week on Wheat Pete’s Word. In this edition, host Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson shares some of what farmers are seeing in their fields this week as... Read More
Another week, another important reminder: get out there and scout! On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson covers everything from the diverse adversity in weather advents across the country, to the incredible pests showing up in Ontario corn fields (think: earworm, western bean cutworm, rootworm, Japanese beetles, and grasshoppers). Take a... Read More
Ah, August in Ontario, when the days are hot and the nights are…well, a little cool, to be honest. As a slightly delayed winter wheat harvest nears its end, all eyes are turned to the corn crop that’s just not fully tasseling in most parts of the province. Tasseling has more than a few farmers... Read More
The dog days of summer are upon us, and even though the Ontario corn crop started off late, warm weather is moving the crop forward…straight into silking and prime gibberella infection season. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson tackles the toughest agronomy questions of the week, plus celebrates a milestone, and has... Read More
There’s been a mixed bag when it comes to weather across the country. Some places can’t beat the heat while others are getting poured on —up to five inches in an hour! In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson covers what to do when it’s wet as it’s a disease year, when to spray when leafhoppers’s... Read More
The corn is growing like a bad weed, while the earliest of the fall-seeded crops are starting to get harvested. Just in time, Ontario is getting some heat and humidity, and that means all sorts of questions for the host of Wheat Pete’s Word. In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson covers fusarium/DON development in the... Read More
Is 2019 the year of the weird? Maybe, says host Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. From planting conditions, to strange looking plants, and on to excessive and strange insect and creepy crawlies — this growing season is nothing short of odd. Johnson tackles what’s going on with things like... Read More
Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson is back for another edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, even if his voice is only running about 80%. It’s early July, and there’s so very much to cover in this week’s audio. From fusarium florets, to surprisingly weedy corn fields, and on to rolling corn cobs, and covering unseeded acres, host... Read More
How the mighty have fallen. Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, has laryngitis and can’t record the podcast this week. He’s very sorry, and is resting and trying to get well as soon as he can. In the meantime, he was a guest on Monday’s RealAg Radio program, where he tackled a... Read More
While Ontario struggles to dry out, the lucky ones in Western Canada are rejoicing in some meaningful rainfall. It’s been a week of planting, watching weeds grow, and haying in some parts of Ontario, too. What does a little rain mean for Western Canada? Possibly more nitrogen. What do cool temperatures mean for corn in... Read More
What a difference a week makes! While there are still areas struggling to get acres in, many parts of Ontario got enough of a dry window to jam thousands of acres in. The west continues to struggle with a lack of rainfall, though some areas in Alberta got snow. Yes, snow. In this week’s Wheat... Read More
When it rains, it pours — both figuratively and literally, these days. Already stressed and stretched farmers in Ontario are now contending with the beginning of haying and fungicide spraying creeping into the chore list, all while planting is STILL not even started in some areas. While there’s very little positive news in Ontario, host... Read More
This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word tackles some timely topics, such as weed control, soybean management, corn challenges, and applying fusarium. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Disagree with something he’s said? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com.... Read More
It’d be fantastic if this Wheat Pete’s Word update included a milestone planting progress update, but 2019 is proving to be a slow one for much of Ontario. And while Western Canada is having much more luck getting the crop in, areas are still dry to very dry. Questions submitted for this week’s show involve... Read More
Planting is rolling on, even if it is verrrry slowly for parts of Ontario. Meanwhile, crops are emerging well in many parts of the Prairies. This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word tackles some timely topics, such as creative ways to apply N to hungry wheat, why starter fertilizer is almost always worth it on corn, and... Read More
Chances are, if you live in Ontario, it’s wet, cold, or a combination of both in your neck of the woods and farmers are itching to get out and plant. Not to worry, you’re not alone according to Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson in this episode of the Word. Johnson says there are a lot of... Read More
Alert! Alert! Alert! It’s May — time to panic! Wait, no, not yet. Yes, weather conditions in both eastern and western Canada have been less than ideal for different reasons, but while farmers are absolutely itching to get rolling in the field, it’s not late…yet. That said, Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson knows that... Read More
Every week should be soil week, but this week especially as we mark National Soil Conservation week. Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson challenges listeners to think differently about soil in this week’s edition — at a minimum, stay off the darn fields while they’re wet, and feed that soil some residue! Also this week,... Read More
What’s yellow, baled, and wanted all over? Straw of course! The pretty sad wheat crop in Ontario has many farmers asking, “what’s straw worth?” and, “which cereal crop will give me the most?” Host Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson tackles that question and so much more in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Hear more about straw... Read More
From the sweet, sweet taste of maple syrup, to the sad state of this Ontario wheat crop, this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word has something for just about everyone. Host Peter Johnson covers soil structure problems, patchy wheat problems, seed-placed fertilizer and so much more in the audio below. Listen now or listen later! Have a... Read More
It must be April — farmers in Alberta are starting to roll out and farmers in Ontario are ready to pull the plug on wheat. This early April edition of Wheat Pete’s Word is bursting with great questions from across Canada, including PEI, and even down in the U.S., including Pennsylvania and Indiana! Host Peter... Read More
It’s too bad we can’t go a week or so without some troubling news, and this week is no exception after reports of European corn borer developing resistance to a hybrid trait. But, don’t fret, as this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word features some real neat and positive discussions, including some soil chat about the hard... Read More
The first day of spring has brought with it a flood of calls and questions on managing the wheat crop as it wakes up — and host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson couldn’t be happier. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, we have to start with some incredibly sad news out of Nebraska, where farmers and... Read More
Where is wheat number one? Do you have a planter plate that’s going to work for soys (maybe not!)? Plus, do you know which spring-seeded cereal gets the biggest bump from early planting? If you’re looking for the answers to these questions and so much more, you don’t want to miss this week’s Wheat Pete’s... Read More
You can’t get to a thousand episodes without first hitting 200, and here we are at episode 200 of Wheat Pete’s Word! Host Peter Johnson dedicates this episode to proper nutrient management, and tackles the topic from a few different angles. After all, when people are started to lobby that bodies of water have the... Read More
What does your swimming pool and seedbed have in common? Very little! So why is one farmer worried about potassium chloride’s impact on soil bugs? It’s all about the form of nutrients, says Wheat Pete’s Word host, Peter Johnson. In this week’s episode, Johnson wants to hear from you on your top spring wheat yields... Read More
We’re talking rotation trade-offs in this edition of Wheat Pete’s Word — and, no, not just because your host Peter Johnson loves him some wheat crop. It’s all about year three benefits when looking at a three or four year rotations vs. two-year alternating crop plans, Johnson says, and the results could be as high... Read More
On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, learn about making the call on not just starter fertilizer rates for corn (and maybe soybeans) but also on what product differences to consider when deciding on rates and placement. Host, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson also shares some insight on plant breeding advancements overseas, how a soil... Read More
As we march in to February, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson is busy making the rounds at the winter conferences: from FarmTech last week in Edmonton, to Ontario Soil and Crop’s AGM at Kingston this week. In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Johnson shares some of what he’s heard on the show circuit, as well... Read More
Can we officially call it the dead of winter? Extremely cold temperatures across most of Canada have most everyone hunkering down and dreaming of warmer temps and a return of the growing season. Winter is also a time to learn, and Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is here to answer your production questions, concerns, and challenges.... Read More
How far have we come in 30 years of plant breeding and agronomic knowledge? Well, in this edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson reflects back on corn and soybean yield averages for Ontario and the gains may surprise you. What about wheat? Well, you’ll have to listen to find out if we’ve made... Read More
What’s better — spreading manure on a few inches of snow, or bare, frozen ground? Trick question, and the answer to it is all the way at the end of this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. But enough about poop, host Peter Johnson covers a pretty wide swath of topics this week, including reading... Read More
Just like that, we are knee-deep in meeting season — and that means, engaging speakers, research findings, sales pitches, and new ideas for the growing season ahead. Fresh off another successful Southwest Agricultural Conference, Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson is raring to go answering your top agronomic questions. First though, if you’re looking for... Read More
Happy New Year, listeners! Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson is back with the 191st episode of Wheat Pete’s Word and it could be the very first episode in months not to use that dreaded three-letter word (DON). Instead, this episode talks soil sampling and nutrient recommendation philosophies, dealing with ruts and wet fall conditions, winter manure... Read More
As 2018 winds down, so does Ontario’s corn and bean harvest — finally. It’s been a trying harvest across much of Canada, and more than a few weary farmers are absolutely relieved to finally be able to park the combine for a another year. But just because harvest is finally done doesn’t mean the field... Read More
It’s nearly Christmas and finally — finally! — corn harvest is done for many, but there are actually many acres of soybeans still yet to be harvested in Ontario. Could soybean seeding be impacted? It’s quite possible given some fields that are still left out are seed crops. Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, is... Read More
This week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word tackles tough questions and comments from the Maritimes, the United States, and across Ontario. In case you missed it, the east has called time-of-death on the potato harvest with a full 10% of the crop abandoned. There’s no shortage of concern for next year’s wheat crop, too, and... Read More
He sings, he dances, and he hosts a weekly agronomy podcast — the multi-talented Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson is back for this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, and we’ve got some major miles to cover on destroying a corn crop effectively. It’s heartbreaking, of course, but Agricrop is releasing some acres to be destroyed.... Read More
To say it’s been a tough few weeks of harvest for Ontario growers would been an understatement, and Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson has a thrown out a challenge to all — call your neighbour, check in, let them talk or vent their frustration. We’re a community, after all. On that note, the RealAgriculture has questions... Read More
Harvest weather has not been kind, but some great yields make up for it at least a little for many Ontario farmers. We’ve also got some good news on wheat acres, too. It can’t all be good, of course, and this fall weather has left many fields rutted and compacted. What to do about tillage?... Read More
Let’s start this week’s Word on a super positive note — Peter Johnson is a grandpa for the sixth time! Host Johnson takes that wonderful piece of news as inspiration for this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word and tries to keep it upbeat and positive (meaning, yes, he talks corn, but mostly not, OK?) From winter... Read More
Happy Halloween, everyone. Did you corn crop dress up as a high yielding, but also high mycotoxin-infused monster? Do you dress up as a Wheat Pete’s Word listener a little tired of hearing about what to do with this corn crop? Well, we only partially apologize, as there are still so many questions about how... Read More
When you don’t have something nice to say you’re supposed to say nothing at all, but if you’ve ever met Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson you already know that’s not his style. Besides, the Ontario corn crop is such a mess there’s no way to NOT talk about it. This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word isn’t all... Read More
Harvest has picked up in both Western and Eastern Canada, though the challenges facing each region are unique. On this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson tackles late season weed control decisions (mostly: just don’t), diseased corn crop management, and shares some new findings on including cereal rye as a cover crop. Have... Read More
Harvest woes aren’t just limited to Western Canada, as, while there hasn’t been snow (yet!), wet field conditions are keeping Ontario farmers out of the fields as well. Soybean harvest has hardly advanced since last week, and disease pressure continues to build in standing corn. This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word covers a harvest update, but... Read More
There are not one, but two Alert! Alert! Alert! segments in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, and that’s just how she goes in a wet, snowy, long, drawn out harvest. Host Peter Johnson is talking wheat storage woes, mycotoxin trouble, and strip tillage tips and tricks in this early October edition of the Word. You’ll... Read More
This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word runs nearly coast to coast, with questions from out west, down south, out east, and everywhere in between. From the on-fire soybean yields in Ontario, to the evergreen crop in Western Canada, to fungicide timing on forage crops, you won’t want to miss Peter Johnson’s answers to this... Read More
Harvest is rolling, rolling, rolling, and the rush is on perhaps more than most years as the Ontario crop is rushing towards dry and even too-dry at an incredible rate. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson rounds up some pretty impressive soybean and dry bean yields, while silage yields disappoint, though that’s... Read More
On this special Canada’s Outdoor Farm show edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson must share the spotlight with RealAgriculture founder Shaun Haney. From dicamba drift reports, to sticky, frost-damaged wheat, to hemp, and on to a hard no on drying down grazing corn, this week’s Word has something for everyone (and, thankfully, Shaun... Read More
If you’ve heard tell of some record yield estimates out there, let’s all remember that the crop sure isn’t in the bin yet, says Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word. It seems that some of the good spots look GREAT and some of the poor spots are turning out better than anticipated. When it... Read More
For a growing season that started so dry for so many, some farmers are now hoping for a string of two or three days of dry weather to get hay done or start harvest on spring-planted crops. It’s also been a trying week for Ontario’s Compaction Day planning crew who ended up cancelling the event... Read More
What’s with this late season rain in Ontario, and what will the impact be with crops in grain- and pod-fill stages? With soybean harvest around the corner, we’re starting to hear more yield estimates or predictions, and the focus is shifting to seeding plans for this fall. On this week’s edition of the Word, our... Read More
As the summer days stretch and the forest fire smoke settles in over huge areas of the country, farmers are wrapping up wheat harvest in the east and starting harvest in earnest in the west. Late-season agronomy typically centres on harvest management, but diseases and insects are still lurking, especially in the corn crop. In... Read More
This season’s hot weather and wild rain (and lack of it) is having a surprising impact on the soybean crop, says Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson. That’s where we start with this week’s episode. From there, Wheat Pete answers your questions on seeding rate, good coverage for insecticide applications, cover crop establishment, and so... Read More
Harvest is somewhat paused with all the rain and storms rolling through Ontario. Once wheat is ready, it’s time to roll, roll, roll, but what happens when you’re held up by weather? Peter ‘Wheat Pete’ Johnson tackles that, plus top tips on salvaging drought-stressed corn, and choosing cover crops, in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word.... Read More
Quite literally, when it rains it pours, it seems, as much of Ontario got some to too much rain over the weekend and into this week. Is it too late for this year’s thirsty crop? Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, says possibly not, as this rain comes at a critical stage for the... Read More
A week of spotty rain has some farmers singing and others moaning, as this challenging growing season marches into mid-summer. The questions for host Peter Johnson continue to roll in, and this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word covers it all from plot results, to fungicide questions, to a correction, and on to grain storage... Read More
It’s July and that means two things: sunburns and field tour season! Our apologies for this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word being posted a day late, but it was actually a field tour (and plot harvest) that pushed host Peter Johnson right to deadline. We promise it’s worth the wait, however, as this week’s episode is... Read More
A scratchy-voiced Peter Johnson needs you to get out there and scout, scout, scout for aphids on soybean. While you’re out in the fields, you also need to check for all sorts of other insects because hot, dry weather is helping creepy-crawlies multiply. It’s also time to get that first white mould suppression pass on,... Read More
Ontario has turned into the land of extremes, where wet areas are suffering through excessive rainfall when it happens, while other areas wither in the dry and the heat. There is one near-perfect area — the Ottawa Valley — and host Peter Johnson figures it’s so perfect out that way, he doesn’t have to answer... Read More
This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word is full of alliterations and maybe, just maybe, a little serving of humble pie. We start this week talking wild weather, wheat woes and wonder, then move on to skimpy seeds and yellow ycorn (Editor’s note: Sorry, I tried). Host Peter Johnson tackles what to do or not... Read More
It’s dry, dry, dry in some areas of Ontario, but some relief could show up as many forecasts are calling for rain. Just how dry is it? As Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, shares in this week’s edition, dry beans have failed to emerge and relay crop soybeans are wilting. The lack of... Read More
If everything goes south from here on in, we can blame Peter Johnson, host of the weekly Wheat Pete’s Word, as he proclaims this week that things are “looking pretty good out there.” In this week’s edition, Johnson tackles current crop conditions, the fallout from super fast crop advancement, weed control in 6-leaf corn (and... Read More
As the calendar inches ever closer to June, host of Wheat Pete’s Word and resident agronomist, Peter Johnson, is tackling your top agronomy questions for side-dressing N, fusarium nozzle selection, and early season weed control in this week’s edition. From two strategies for planting edible beans into dry ground, to the first of the hay... Read More
For all the talk of a late, late spring, we sure have caught up in a hurry. While there are areas hurting for moisture nearly across Canada, some regions have had near-ideal planting conditions and even a timely rain or two, post-seeding. What’s got croppers curious this week? Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word,... Read More
Spring is off to a roaring start in some areas — for some it’s the roar of a hot, dry wind (hey, Prairies!) and for others it’s the roar of nearly seven inches of rain that fell in two events over a week in southern Ontario. This mid-May edition of Wheat Pete’s Word is a... Read More
In today’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, resident agronomist and host Peter Johnson talks crop progress (with some surprising comparisons to last year); thin wheat; no-no’s in herbicide application; water jet technology; and, a scary new finding of herbicide resistance in the province. Find a summary of all of today’s show topics and times below... Read More
It’s very suddenly time to get things done! Host Peter Johnson starts off the show talking temperatures and crop notes, then moves into erosion (there is still so much!), alfalfa, biological stimulants and more. Find a summary of today’s show topics and times below the audio. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some... Read More
Have you walked your winter wheat field yet? Resident agronomist Peter Johnson reminds everyone that now is the time to look for frost heaving and early weed germination in another jam-packed episode of The Word. Johnson also talks crop notes, sulphur deficiency, nitrogen stabilizers, soil microbiology, and much more. Find a summary of today’s show... Read More
Host Peter Johnson tackles a broad range of topics in this week’s podcast, from weird weather (and chilling out about it) to cold imbibition, pH extremes, and salted out thiosulfate, Find a summary of today’s show topics and times below the audio. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send... Read More
From planting late corn with a hoe-drill to soybean cyst nematode in kidney beans, host Peter Johnson addresses a whole gamat of interesting questions in this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Find a summary of today’s show topics and times below the audio. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield... Read More
While using winter wheat for grazing doesn’t exactly excite host Peter Johnson, he dedicates a little time to the subject today, along with all sorts of questions around sulfur, a bit on glyphosate resistant fleabane in straw, and a mention of barley yellow dwarf virus. Find a summary of today’s show topics and times below... Read More
Today’s show comes to us all the way from Salina, Kansas, and sees host Peter Johnson starting off the show with a correction, then: seeding alfalfa, fertility, corn into rye, and more. Find a summary of today’s show topics and times below the audio. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield... Read More
In today’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host and resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, Peter Johnson, catches up on topics ranging from nitrogen application timing to cereal rye before corn. Find a summary of today’s show topics and times below the audio. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send... Read More
In another fast-paced episode of the Word, host Peter Johnson addresses everything from dry conditions in Oklahoma to combining corn in P.E.I. Hear how you can terminate alfalfa/grass in the spring, great ways to improve organic matter, what you can do to get sulphur back on the land, and much more. Have a question you’d... Read More
Host Peter Johnson brings us highlights and learnings all the way from Zambia in this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. Then: a rant on “first-world problems”; a grain market alert; seeding clover into wheat; and more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message... Read More
Tiles, tillers, and tests. In this week’s episode of the Word, host Peter Johnson covers everything from tile drainage systems plugging with roots, to managing tillering in wheat, and variability in organic matter tests. Plus: even non-clay soils can compact… Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in?... Read More
In this week’s episode of the Word, host Peter Johnson takes us through a few of his key learnings in the last month with a discussion on the 38 million acre problem — herbicide resistance. Then Johnson talks geese in wheat, building magnesium, cover crops, tillage, and spreading/piling manure. Have a question you’d like Johnson... Read More
Even with a fresh blanket of snow in some regions, farmers are eager to start planning for the spring season. From early seeding in Saskatchewan, to managing cover crops and bio strip-till, to building magnesium, resident agronomist Peter Johnson covers it all in this episode of the show. Have a question you’d like Johnson to... Read More
Nitrogen, nitrogen, nitrogen. It’s perhaps among the hottest of agronomic topics, and has inspired some great questions (and answers) in this episode of The Word, with host Peter Johnson. In the podcast, Johnson covers questions and comments on split-nitrogen, tillered winter wheat, organic matter, compaction and soybean cyst nematode. Have a question you’d like Johnson... Read More
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty on this week’s top agronomy questions, shall we? Peter Johnson is back for this last January 2018 instalment of Wheat Pete’s Word, and it’s an action-packed episode. Out west, farmers have two main concerns — lack of moisture and lack of moisture. This brings up two questions in this... Read More
Just because you listen to the show, doesn’t mean you have to agree with host Peter Johnson — in fact, he loves constructive disagreement! From the value (or lack thereof) of horse manure to brown wheat, Wheat Pete addresses constructive criticism as well as questions (soybeans, measuring sulphur, red clover in canola) in another energetic... Read More
In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson addresses questions surrounding winter wheat; fertility; cover crops; corn; manure and more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Summary: 00:50 –... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson addresses compaction; frost-seeding in Alberta; equipment; nitrogen management; manure; and corn plots. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Summary 01:14 – Never... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson addresses New Year’s resolutions, spreading manure on snow, fertility, plant growth regulators, and the ongoing tillage discussion. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson covers yield, tillage, erosion, cover crops, and more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Summary: 01:00 – This is the last Wheat... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson talks drilling wheat, rotational questions, plot data, drying and much more. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Summary: 01:05 – Wheat is... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson talks harvest, wheat, wacky weather, managing nitrogen, press wheels, soybeans, fertility, tile drainage, tillage and measuring grain in the bin. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete),... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson talks corn and soybean information, high-yielding (and confusing corn), corn plot quandaries, and recreational tillage. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Summary:... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter No-Till takes us through Ontario’s wet conditions, zeroes in on soil health, discusses tillage, and answers some specific questions. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson takes us through huge harvest highlights, corn caramelization, dormant seeding, piracy and specific questions all the way from tile runs to (of course) everything wheat. Also, today’s episode is brought to you by the letter P. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson takes us through plot data, the corn conundrum, whacking weeds and specific questions all the way from wheat to fertilizer salt injury. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson takes us through updates on moisture conditions in Ontario and the incredible corn crop (but it’s not all roses). Then: questions around weed control, cereal rye as a cover crop and applying dairy manure now. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson takes us through questions around corn, big wind, soil testing, fall fertility, wheat, alfalfa and red clover. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson takes us through this week’s crop notes, and questions around cereals, hay, weed control and poor crops. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson takes us through “unbelievable yield reports”, push back on his IP vs RR soybeans conversation, cover crop management, and some specific questions on triticale and wheat. Have a question you’d like Johnson to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave him a message at... Read More
In this episode of The Word, host Peter Johnson gives an update on weather conditions, field progress, and yields, then delving into hay crops, organic matter and copper and zinc on wheat. Also: is it too late to plant winter wheat? Have a question you’d like Peter to address? Or some yield results to send... Read More
Host Peter Johnson is non-stop in this episode of The Word, as he tries to catch up on topics ranging from 100 bushel/acre wheat to slugs in cover crops. Have a question you’d like Peter to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave Peter a message at 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete),... Read More
Host Peter Johnson is back in the office for this episode of The Word. In trying to catch up on a plethora of questions, Johnson discusses: wheat after silage, double cob corn, red soybean leaves and so much more. Have a question you’d like Peter to address? Or some yield results to send in? Leave... Read More
This episode of Wheat Pete’s Word features snippets of this week’s RealAg Radio show, which was recorded at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show. There’s a different vibe to this week’s Word, with a few extra voices, and the occasional sparring partner for resident agronomist and host, Peter Johnson. In the podcast, Johnson answers questions from the... Read More
Will late rain do much to help soybean yields? Is it okay to clip clover once more? When should I apply sulphur to a winter wheat crop? What impact are cold nights having on corn crops? And, what to do about perennial weeds? In this episode of The Word, RealAg’s resident agronomist Peter Johnson fills... Read More
In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAg Agronomist Peter Johnson expresses his confusion and concern for FROST! Oh man! It’s time to seed the “crop of all crops”, winter wheat! Find out what tips he has for you. He also adds a quick note about fusarium in wheat and gibberella in corn. Listen to... Read More
Wheat! Yeeehaaaw! RealAg Agronomist Peter Johnson is so happy to be talking about his favourite crop in this weeks episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. He talks about the excellent yields he’s been hearing, along with some good stories with it. Johnson brings up some good thoughts about planting management as we are coming up to... Read More
From doggone insect issues to dream farm shops, we have some exciting things to cover on this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson tackles some cereal questions regarding harvest timing, winter cereal planting, nitrogen losses in manure, and more. Listen here, and read some of the highlights below: Your questions/feedback/yield results are... Read More
On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAg Agronomist Peter Johnson talks about the never ending insect invasion that has gone on all of this growing season. He also talks about all the diseases he’s seeing, and possible management techniques. And wondering whether to take soybeans as hay or wait for potential yields after... Read More
In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson is still floored by the amount of insects he is seeing this year. He offers some quick updates on alfalfa, some important tips on fertility, and since he apparently didn’t get a chance to talk about it last week, he gives some updates... Read More
The weather continues to be all over the map, whether in Ontario or Western Canada, as RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson leads off this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. He gives a quick update on crop insurance coverage, saying there’s some good news there. There are also a number of issues to cover in corn,... Read More
A harvest update — yes, combines have started rolling in parts of Ontario — as RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson expresses his excitement for harvest in this week’s Word. There are also concerns about white mold, western bean cutworm, and aphids, to discuss. Learn about these issues, and much more, in this week’s episode of Wheat... Read More
In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson highlights corn fungicides and western bean cutworm control. He also talks about what a fun ride the wheat market has been on — are there any management opportunity to capitalize on those protein premiums? Peter wraps up this episode discussing equipment and fertilizer... Read More
Insects, insects, insects! Peter Johnson is amazed by all the insects he is seeing this year. In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson talks about bugs, disease diagnostics, and weed control woes. He also has some “cover crop craziness” to discuss, and much more! Check out what Wheat Pete has... Read More
What’s with all the hail and rain? In this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson once again talks about the extreme weather Ontario has been facing, including the hail, and what it’ll take to recover. He expresses excitement about some beautiful barley he’s seeing, but also disappointment as he talks of... Read More
What about that weather? It’s uniformly variable and mostly what we don’t want, explains RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson on this week’s Word. In 17 power-packed minutes, Peter laments the arrival of armyworm, soybean aphids and cereal leaf beetle. He also describes how you can fit the roots of 8-leaf rootless corn in your coffee cup.... Read More
From cold and wet, transitioning into too hot and dry, all in just one week in Ontario. How is that possible? RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson is just as baffled when it comes to the weather, as he discusses on this week’s Word. Peter covers the latest in wheat, soybeans, corn, edible beans, forage management, and has... Read More
Haying is underway (with some phenomenal yields!), soybeans are struggling, and sprayers are rolling — there’s lots of ground to cover on this week’s Word with RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson. Peter discusses the replant decision facing soybean growers, rolling timing on beans, early weed control in wheat, drift reduction agents, fungicide rates, row spacing for... Read More
In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, RealAg Agronomist Peter Johnson wonders why insects are such a problem already, seeing as it’s been a wet year, and that usually means the fields are full of disease, not bugs. He also dives into crop progress — what sort of advances have been made in Ontario, as... Read More
As corn planting moves along in Ontario, the list of issues to deal with in the field is also progressing, as RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson has a pair of insect alerts on this week’s Word. Unfortunately there’s also been some frost in parts of the country, and Wheat Pete walks us through how to assess the... Read More
Cork-screw corn, good-looking western spring crops, heat unit discrepancies — it’s been a wild week of major seeding progress in Western Canada, while much of Ontario’s planting progress has been hamstrung with extremely cold and wet weather. Some Ontario farmers, including Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson, are on to plan C for field prep as rain... Read More
This week’s (almost!) cross-Canada Wheat Pete’s Word is packed full of great questions, worries about cold temperatures, solid timely answers on field management, and at least one alert, alert, alert! Your host Peter Johnson tackles questions on harvesting cereal rye (soon! this week!) while keeping compaction in mind, if corn seed is going to be... Read More
We’re kicking off May with wet, wet weather both at home and south of the border, and not one but two alerts for very early disease detection in Ontario’s Bruce and Essex Counties. Peter Johnson, your host of Wheat Pete’s Word, also has cautions on using saved soybean seed from the 2016 crop, why you... Read More
It’s the last week of April and not only is there crop in the ground in areas of southern Ontario, but there’s even a few corn and soy plants poking above ground! Don’t feel bad, though, if that’s not where you’re at — there’s plenty of field prep and planning still happening across not just... Read More
The nitrogen is on, the wheat and weeds are growing, and field work and planting is beginning in earnest in Ontario’s south (other areas and much of Western Canada will just have to wait a tiny bit longer). As #plant17 gets rolling, Peter Johnson is back with another edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, and this... Read More
We’re racing towards planting season, with field activity about to begin rocking and rolling, Lessons from the new world wheat yield record, the value of soil and subsequent impact of erosion, cover crop management, corn planter down pressure, and more — it’s all in this week’s edition of the Word the RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson.... Read More
We’ve hit April, and that means it’s time for the first of many #plant17 reports! This week, we’ve got super early wheat going in in Alberta, believe it or not, so that’s where we start with this edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. For Ontario growers, host Peter Johnson kicks off with a rust warning and... Read More
Fresh off the 100th episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, the questions are pouring in, as are the all-in-good-fun “Just how old are you, Peter Johnson?” comments. In this week’s word, we’re talking soil nutrients in snirt (soil/dirt mix), why you shouldn’t worry about brown-leaved wheat just yet, why geese are terrible creatures, when we can... Read More
Ladies and gentlemen, farmers and agronomists, we’ve hit triple digits! That’s right, this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word is number 100, and from all of us here at RealAgriculture thank you for following along and making this podcast a huge success in a short time. Host Peter Johnson has made the most of this... Read More
It may not be the Great One, but this sure is the number 99 episode of Wheat Pete’s Word. To celebrate, your host Peter Johnson answers your questions from the week that was, and there are some great ones. From how early is too early for wheat in Western Canada, to why canola is a... Read More
Peter Johnson is back from his agriculture mission in Zambia, and ready to rock and roll with this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. From how different organic matter additions can speed up or slow down residue breakdown, to why rotation matters so very much, to a talk on phosphorus as-applied vs. actual, Johnson gets... Read More
To the surprise of possibly few, Peter Johnson has officially been named a nut — a ground nut specialist, in fact. As of right now, Johnson is on his way home from a mission to Zambia, where he was named peanut specialist for the two weeks. What did he learn? If wheat is all about... Read More
Can it be? Has #plant17 really started already? Well, for at least a few farmers in the southern climes of Ontario are rolling out to frost seed oats (the temp is in the teens today!), and that’s where we begin this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. Yes, planting oats in February can work, explains your host Peter... Read More
After a week away, Peter Johnson is back for this edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. Maybe it’s the now-on-sale chocolate talking, but this week’s edition is just a little wild, tackling everything from crazy strips, to peduncles, to robot sprayers, to shedding buckwheat, and much more. Learn why you’ve just got to stop seeding wheat... Read More
We’re kicking off February with a correction — no, that wasn’t Greg Stewart in the production guide you saw last week, it really was your Wheat Pete’s Word host Peter Johnson. This week, Johnson covers a whole lot of ground, including a reminder to check on your tiled fields to help identify broken tiles, a... Read More
Will bare fields and warm weather cause wheat to break dormancy? And if so, could we be looking at a wheat price rally for 2017? That’s where we start with Wheat Pete’s Word, and from there Peter Johnson takes us on a wild agronomy ride that covers strip-tilling dry beans into hay ground, what to... Read More
Manure no-no’s, cleaning corn to reduce vomitoxin levels, and trying to rush nature — this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word is jam-packed with answers to your toughest questions! Peter Johnson kicks of the Word with a discussion on spreading dry vs. liquid manure on snow, and then gets specific on vomi reduction on corn (including why it’s... Read More
As the winter learning season rolls forward, the agronomy questions are flooding in, and Peter Johnson, host of Wheat Pete’s Word, wouldn’t have it any other way. In this week’s episode, Johnson tackles some very complicated — but super important — ins and outs of nitrogen management. Confused about which crops leave a credit and why... Read More
It may be a new year, but it’s the same ol’ host for Wheat Pete’s Word (only a little bit because we named it after him, and mostly because he’s a one-of-a-kind). This week, you’ll be dazzled by the organic matter talk, as some clarification was needed, plus Peter Johnson takes on the yield loss after... Read More
On the eve of 2017, we wrap up the calendar year with one last instalment of Wheat Pete’s Word. From a recent land price record, to so many questions on fertilizer timing, placement, and products, and finally on to a great deep dive into single and double cut clover, Johnson tackles alfalfa discussions, the true... Read More
After a week in the sunny south (no, not Chatham), Peter Johnson returns for this latest Wheat Pete’s Word. Always one to keep it festive, Johnson kicks off this week’s word with a lovely chat about hog manure, moves on to grain storage problems in cold weather, and even tackles some wild claims of lowering soil... Read More
As winter sets in, decisions are being made on what to plant next year, and thanks to U.S. biofuel policy and weather issues in South America, it’s looking like soybeans will be a preferred option. Yes, Real Ag agronomist Peter Johnson’s talking markets to kick off this week’s edition of the Word. Moving from soybean demand... Read More
If your wheat stand looks more like a golf green than a cereal crop, should you still put down clover early in the spring? And why the push for longer season varieties? Yes, it’s time for Wheat Pete’s Word here at RealAgriculture, and Peter Johnson has a fact-ion (see what we did there?) packed podcast... Read More
It’s Wednesday! And that means it’s time for resident agronomist Peter Johnson’s latest Word. While there’s not much growing out there this time of year except line ups at the corn dryer, there’s always something to talk about. In this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word, the Wildman talks corn trials (with some smart cautions), insecticide seed... Read More
We kick off this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word with running diagnostics on the #plantgreen corn for 2016 to try and figure out all that went right, and what went wrong. Plus, a reminder about registering for the South-West Ag Conference happening in early January (even Lyndsey Smith is speaking!), as this event sells out each... Read More
It turns out spring cereal yields in Ontario, on average, were better than expected, as RealAg Agronomist Peter Johnson highlights in this week’s Word. From celebrating the 108 percent of average barley crop, to lamenting the lack of farmer-submitted fungicide plot results, to weird symptoms showing up in wheat, Peter covers a whole host of... Read More
Despite a tough year, there are reports of Ontario elevators running at full capacity or right full. Some farmers are reporting a record wheat and soybean year, which explains the full delivery points, but as harvest winds down many farmers will be happy with average, at best. That’s where we start with this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word,... Read More
Harvest is rocking and rolling for most corn and soybean growers in Ontario save for @WheatPete himself who took an equipment breakdown as a chance to get the Word done early this week. This week’s Wheat Pete’s Word covers a lot of ground, including the why behind high test weight corn, the nitrogen connection to high... Read More
Hang on and let’s go — it’s time for this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word on RealAgriculture.com! To start this week, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist and life-long Wild Man, shares a neat stay-awake reminder for all y’all out there harvesting. Bottom line? Stay safe, and let’s get this crop in the bin. From there,... Read More
Frost over the Thanksgiving weekend has put an end to the growing season, and should help with drying down soybeans, as Peter Johnson kicks off this week’s Word with an update on soybeans and corn. From there, he offers some timely advice on fall burdock control, disease considerations in cover crops and — of course, saving his... Read More
As we roll into October, some later-seeded soybean yields are coming in better than expected, but there are still some disappointing stories where growers in the driest areas aren’t even bothering to harvest their beans. Meanwhile, decisions have to be made for fall weed control and wheat planting as the days get shorter. Peter Johnson,... Read More
Yes, we’re a day late with Wheat Pete’s Word, but it was so worth it because we broke a record for most questions in a week! Well, OK, that’s not quite true, but it was so close — so hats off to you, dear listeners and readers, we really do appreciate all the interactions and... Read More
It’s late September, the days are warm, and the combines are starting to roll into the edible beans and soybeans. Corn silage harvest has also started and that means we kick off this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word with a reminder and a plead — stay safe and use those lights! From there, we head into... Read More
It’s a special edition of the Word this week, as Peter Johnson, our resident agronomist at RealAgriculture, hosted his weekly agronomy discussion live at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show on Tuesday. It was a chance to have Wheat Pete answer your questions in-person, whether talking about his first-love crop, fall weed control or the nutrients in... Read More
Harvest is rolling along in many areas of the province, including the first reported grain corn coming off earlier this week. This week, RealAgriculture’s Peter Johnson tackles your toughest questions on troubled corn, late hay, and wheat variety selection in this September 7th edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. (Highlights below). Listen or download below! And of... Read More
Peter Johnson, resident agronomist at RealAgriculture, and host of the Word, announces he’s hitting the field September 1 — a new record on Johnson’s farm, wheat prices are crashing, seeding rates between conventional and organic farming, and (surprise!) Wheat Pete thinks you ought to grow wheat. Listen or download below! And of course, if you... Read More
Peter Johnson, resident agronomist at RealAgriculture, and host of the Word, discusses the now-underway edible bean harvest, Ontario wheat trials, smelly liquid manure and soil tests. Listen or download below! And of course, if you have a question for Wheat Pete, call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at pjohnson@realagriculture.com. Highlights: Wheat:... Read More
After weeks of talking about drought, much of Ontario is celebrating. Peter Johnson, resident agronomist at RealAgriculture, and host of the Word, discusses the recent rains, and what management shifts producers will have to consider, plus: spider mites, the pros and cons of tillage, and strip-tilling fertilizer. Listen or download below! And of course, if you... Read More
Cobless corn, 35 bu/ac oats, rising hay prices — the drought of 2016 continues to take its toll. Peter Johnson, resident agronomist at RealAgriculture, and host of the Word, discusses the impact the dryness is having on corn, spring cereal yields and the implications for applying manure, among other agronomic challenges facing Ontario growers. Listen or download... Read More
There are still many areas in Ontario that are dealing with drought and high temperatures during grain-fill. Peter Johnson, resident agronomist at RealAgriculture, and host of the Word talks about some of the options for managing through a drought, with a particular focus on harvesting corn silage early. Johnson also covers insects to scout for, corn... Read More
The drought continues to take a toll on corn and soybeans with nutrient deficiencies showing up. There’s nothing that can be done about the lack of rain, but there are some management opportunities for future years, explains Peter Johnson on this week’s Word. He also outlines three steps that need to be taken after wheat harvest... Read More
Wheat harvest is moving along quickly which is why we’re a day late with the Word again this week. In this update, Peter Johnson, RealAg’s resident agronomist, discusses the incredible wheat results and how to manage those fields after harvest, western bean cutworm and other insects of concern, and how the drought is affecting corn and... Read More
Rain…finally! And some unbelievable wheat yields being reported — Wheat Pete is fired up (even more than normal!) for this week’s update. After discussing rainfall amounts and early wheat results, Peter gets into the tight timeline for double-cropping soybeans, the impact this rain could have on corn, and much more. Listen or download below! Have a... Read More
It’s hard to believe we’re already at wheat harvest, but it’s time to get the combine set up! And take a look at those fields! Producers across the province are finding disease, insects and nutrient deficiencies, and it’s all in this week’s Word, with Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture. Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call... Read More
Dry weather might scare you to death, but what about wet weather? And, corn leaves appear to be wrapping during the heat of the day — what’s up with that? It’s all in this week’s Word, as Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, shares his advice and answers your questions in this update for the week... Read More
Leafhoppers out the ying-yang, fertility issues, double cropping soybeans, fungicide questions — it’s all in this week’s Word, as Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, shares his advice and answers your questions in this update for the week of June 22, 2016. Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete),... Read More
It’s the Year of No Forgiveness. Apologies to those who didn’t get that “perfect rain” and are still hoping for more. As for that slow-growing alfalfa stand: have you checked for weevils? And how about your canola? Have you scouted for cabbage seedpod weevils yet? Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, stresses the importance of scouting, marketing,... Read More
If your wheat is at the flagleaf stage and you’re worried about its height, you have horsetail in your corn, or you’re not sure how to deal with prostrate knotweed, you’ll want to tune in this week. Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, returns for his weekly podcast, where he answers questions and shares agronomic insight.... Read More
Crops are moving along quickly thanks to the recent heat in much of Ontario. RealAg agronomist Peter Johnson discusses what the hot, dry weather means for wheat, nitrogen considerations in light of the dry conditions, keys to reducing leaf burn from in-season N on wheat and much more on this week’s Word. Have a question... Read More
Looking for an update on Ontario agriculture? Having issues with stripe rust, or fusarium? Wondering what this “flag test” is all about? Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, returns to answer questions and share his agronomic insight in his weekly update — the Word. Skip to Podcast Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a... Read More
Wondering why the wheat is looking burnt? Or if the frost affected your crop? Have you been out scouting for insects yet? Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, returns to answer questions and share his agronomic insight in his weekly update — the Word. Skip to Podcast Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a... Read More
Wondering why your winter wheat is looking so…blah? Or how it can be safe to seed soybeans when it’s still cold outside? Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, returns to answer questions and share his agronomic insight in his weekly update — the Word. Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him atpeter.johnson@bell.net.... Read More
Early fungicide timing in wheat, varietal interactions with Group 14 soil-applied herbicides and how to prevent lodging in oats — it was almost a record-breaking week in terms of feedback after last week’s Word. Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAg, returns to answer questions and share his agronomic insight as we get into the month of... Read More
Will tiny tractors solve our compaction issues? Are you re-thinking your typical tillage plans? In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, covers everything from tillage to herbicide and compaction to crop insurance. Skip to Podcast Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at peter.johnson@bell.net. Last Week’s Word:... Read More
In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, talks compaction, fertility, staging of winter wheat, the value of neonicotinoids on soybean seeds, the smoke test, and so much more. Skip to Podcast Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at peter.johnson@bell.net. Highlights (01:00) Winter Wheat Huge changes in... Read More
In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, covers everything from weather to annual ryegrass control. And, did you get last week’s homework assignment done? Skip to Podcast Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at peter.johnson@bell.net. Highlights (01:05) Weather Update: (01:12) 7.5″ rainfall from March 21... Read More
In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, examines everything from weather impacts to phosphorous management. And yes, you do have some homework this week. Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at peter.johnson@bell.net. Highlights: 01:00 Flooding in Ontario. Erosion, erosion, erosion. 01:57 Red squirrels into corn seed... Read More
In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, examines everything from erosion and weird wheat to cover crop management and insect pests. Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at peter.johnson@bell.net. Highlights: There are huge amounts of erosion in high tillage zones in Ontario. “We simply have to... Read More
In this week’s Word, Peter Johnson, resident agronomist for RealAgriculture, examines everything from early N applications in wheat to the maple syrup harvest. Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311, send him a tweet (@wheatpete), or email him at peter.johnson@bell.net. Highlights: The 2016 crop season has begun in Ontario with some nitrogen going down on wheat When and... Read More