Cereal & Oilseed Update 2026

Field Crop Update - Bi-Weekly update - June 5, 2026

Spring Conditions Overview

Spring 2026 across Prince Edward Island has been characterized by above average precipitation and below average heat accumulation, resulting in a slow and challenging start to the growing season.

Precipitation levels across much of the Island are at or above 2025 levels and significantly higher than 2024, limiting field access and delaying planting and early-season operations. At the same time, growing degree day (GDD) accumulation is well behind nomal, slowing crop emergence and development across all sectors. 

The result is a season defined by:

• Delayed planting and field operations
• Slow crop emergence and early growth
• Increased disease risk due to sustained moisture
• Strong weed pressure

I recognize the significant challenges growers are facing this spring, with persistent wet conditions limiting field access, delaying planting, and complicating timely spraying operations. While every operation must balance multiple priorities, the current environment is also creating increased risk for weed escapes and especially early disease development across PEI. Given these pressures, it may be worth considering the importance of timely crop protection—particularly fungicide and herbicide applications—as part of overall risk management this season. Where conditions allow, transitioning focus from planting to ensuring adequate crop protection could help preserve yield potential under these unique circumstances.

Weather Station -  PEI Department of Agriculture

Understanding Growing Degree Days (GDD) in These Charts

Growing Degree Days (GDD) are used to track crop development based on accumulated heat. Different crops use different base temperatures, which affects how progress is interpreted.

Simple Guide

• Base 0°C → Cereals (wheat, barley, oats)
• Base 5°C → Canola
• Base 10°C → Corn and soybeans

Wheat, Barley and Oat crops can begin growing at very low temperatures, so base 00C captures early-season development, even in cool conditions.

This is why cereals may appear to be progressing slowly—but still accumulating heat units—despite the cool spring.

Canola uses a base 5°C, meaning:

• Growth does not significantly occur below 5°C
• Cool spring conditions delay development more than what base 0 numbers suggest
• Actual canola growth and staging are likely further behind than cereals

Corn and Soybeans use a base 100C, meaning: 

• How fast heat is accumulating
• Where your crop is developed (not just by calendar date)
• Whether your crop is ahead or behind normal

Crop Development Summary

• Winter wheat is behind normal but maintains good yield potential with proactive management
• Spring barley is most impacted, with delayed emergence and reduced vigor
• Soybeans are slow to establish but remain recoverable with improved heat
• Corn (grain and silage) emergence and early growth are delayed due to low heat units

Overall, crop staging is behind typical timelines, making the next two weeks critical.

Key Recommendations for the Next Two Weeks

1. Stripe Rust and Leaf Disease Update – Active Risk on PEI 
   Stripe Rust has been seen in wheat fields on PEI and is more prominent in fields that have not received fungicide application.  Given the cool and wet conditions, these diseases are expected to continue developing. Additional leaf diseases, including powdery mildew and septoria, have also been identified in cereal crops.  These diseases are being favored by prolonged moisture and cool conditions.   

   Scout fields frequently, especially winter wheat and early seeded cereals

• Focus on: 
  • Field edges and sheltered areas
  • Dense crop canopies
  • Unsprayed fields
• Apply fungicides proactively

Even where stripe rust is present:

• Fungicides can slow disease progression
• Timely applications will protect yield and grain quality

This is not a “wait and see” situation—early action is essential.

2. Herbicide Timing – Critical Weed-Free Period
   Moist conditions and delayed crop growth have created strong weed pressure.
   Spring cereal crops are entering the Critical Weed-Free Period (CWFP):

• Begins at 1–3 leaf stage
• Extends through early tillering

Weed competition during this period can:

• Reduce tiller numbers
• Lower head counts
• Cause irreversible yield loss

Recommendation:

•  Apply herbicides as soon as field conditions allow

• Avoid delays—late applications cannot recover early yield losses

   

3. Nitrogen Management – Second Applications
   Field variability this spring means nitrogen decisions should be field specific.
   Before applying additional nitrogen:

• Scout fields to assess: 
  • Stand uniformity
  • Crop vigour and rooting
  • Areas impacted by excess moisture
• Adjust nitrogen rates based on realistic yield potential

Fields with reduced stands may not justify full nitrogen rates.

4. Consider using a PSNT to Guide for Corn Nitrogen Decisions
   The pre-side dress Nitrogen Test (PSNT) for Corn is particularly valuable this season.
   Benefits of PSNT:

Improves nitrogen efficiency

• Matches fertilizer rates to crop needs
• Accounts for residual and mineralized nitrogen

Reduce input costs

• Prevents over-application
• Targets high-response areas

Supports yield potential

• Ensure adequate nitrogen without excess
• Helps address losses from wet conditions

Environmental stewardship

• Reduces risk of nitrogen loss to water and air

Timing:

• Corn: Prior to side dress (V4–V6 stage)

Crop-Specific Priorities

Winter Wheat

• Scout immediately for stripe rust and leaf diseases
• Plan fungicide applications accordingly
• Evaluate nitrogen status where delays or losses are suspected

Spring Barley

• Prioritize herbicide application during early tillering
• Monitor uneven emergence and seedling health
• Protect remaining yield potential

Soybeans

• Monitor stand establishment and emergence
• Prioritize early weed control
• Warmer temperatures will be key for recovery and nodulation

Corn (Grain & Silage)

• Assessment of stands for uniformity and stress
• Complete weed control early (V1–V4)
• Monitor development closely: 
  • Grain corn faces maturity risks if heat units remain low
  • Silage corn will require close harvest timing management

Overall Takeaway

This spring has created an intensive management start to the growing season.
Top Priorities:

1. Scout frequently (especially for stripe rust)
2. Apply fungicides proactively where needed
3. Do not miss herbicide timing
4. Refine nitrogen decisions using field assessment and crop potential

ACE Network Update

The Atlantic Grains Council has announced that the regional Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) will now operate under a new name: the Atlantic Crop Enhancement (ACE) Network. The updated name reflects the program’s continued focus on improving crop performance, supporting data-driven decision-making, and strengthening collaboration across the Atlantic region.

For more information, please contact:
Steve Howatt, ACE Network Coordinator
Phone: 902-394-0645
Email: steve@bremsa.ca

FHB Risk Forecast Tool Now Available

The Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Risk Forecast Tool is now live on the Atlantic Grains Council website. This tool provides timely, region-specific risk assessments to help growers make informed disease management decisions throughout the growing season.

Herbicide Decision Tool Available

Dr. Andrew McKenzie Gopsill has developed a Herbicide Decision Tool, now available through the Atlantic Grains Council. This resource helps growers choose appropriate herbicide options based on crop and weed management scenarios, supporting more effective and informed field decisions.

Stay Connected

Producers and industry partners are encouraged to reach out at any time throughout the season with questions, concerns, or for field-specific guidance.

I look forward to meeting with growers across Prince Edward Island and working together through the growing season. Whether you need support with scouting, management decisions, or discussing field conditions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Your observations and feedback are invaluable in strengthening our understanding of crop conditions across the Island.
 

Patti Ann Baird Gill CCA, T. Ag. 
Cereal & Oilseeds Development Officer
Agriculture Resources
Telephone: (902) 314-0233
Email: pabairdgill@gov.pe.ca

Disclaimer

This update is provided for informational purposes only and reflects current conditions and best available information at the time of publication. Weather patterns, soil conditions, and crop responses can vary significantly across locations and over time.
Management practices, fertilizer rates, and application timing should be based on individual field conditions, soil test results, and professional judgment. Producers are encouraged to consult with a certified agronomist or other qualified advisor before making management decisions.

The information presented does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any specific product, practice, or management strategy, and no liability is assumed for actions taken based on this information.