Near the end of 2020, the New Liskeard Agricultural Research Station (NLARS) changed their name to the “Ontario Crops Research Centre – New Liskeard” (OCRC-NL), following the same naming convention as all other University of Guelph research stations. Research station names are being updated to ensure a consistent naming convention while recognizing the provincial investment and primary function of each site.

An early thaw in 2021 enabled earlier planting dates. Temperatures were close to the 32 year average, but warmer in August. The accumulated growing degree days for 2021 was 1,489 GDD (5°C base); 5-year avg. = 1,649 GDD.

Precipitation throughout the growing season resulted in a dry May, June, and August, but a very wet July. This year we experienced crown rust in later parts on oats, particularly on unsprayed (ie no fungicide) oats. Our station recorded 423 mm for May to October; the 32 year average rainfall amount is 311 mm over the growing season.

Lodging was relatively moderate for oats, with earlier planting dates lodging more. However, after a few large rain events in August, there was considerable brackling.

Aphid pressure in oats increased in June enough to warrant an insecticide application. In the last few years, aphid pressure has been below the threshold point on station.