In the Berry Field: May 27th, 2025

In this week's edition of In the Berry Field; Sonny Murray gives a crop update for the major berry crops.  

To view the video Click Here               Sorry, it is a long one!

You can print the above table by following this link: Click Here

For a video on scouting for Tarnished Plant Bug from OMAFRA check out this video: Click Here 

Funding Opportunities:

Technology Adoption Program

The objective of the Technology Adoption program is to support the purchase of equipment and technology that will advance operations through automation, enhanced efficiency, increased production capacity, and quality improvements. This program is designed to assist with increasing the competitiveness, productivity, and profitability of Nova Scotia's agriculture sector. Closes this Saturday May 31st, 2025

To learn more Click here

On-Farm Climate Change Action Fund (OFCAF)

On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is an initiative to help farmers improve soil health, protect soil from erosion, and tackle climate change by adopting beneficial management practices that store carbon and reduce greenhouse gases. The program offers funding to help farmers implement nitrogen management, cover cropping, and rotational grazing practices. In addition, the OFCAF program supports professional training for farmers, agronomists, and certified crop advisers

To learn more Click here

In the Berry Field: May 14th, 2025

 In this week's edition of In the Berry Field; Sonny Murray gives a crop update for the major berry crops.  To view the video Click Here

You can print the above table by following this link: Click Here

For a video on scouting for Tarnished Plant Bug from OMAFRA check out this video: Click Here 

2025 Degree Day Accumulations

 

Table 1.0. Degree day accumulations as of May 12, 2025. All data are taken from the Environment and Climate Change Canada weather station located at the Kentville Research and Development Centre. Calculations are based on a start date of March 1, and calculated using the single-sine method.

 

Category	2022	2023	2024	2025	5-year average	10-year average
Plant development (Base 5ºC)	155.0	138.7	140.2	190.2	141.1	142.2
Insect development (Base 10º)	43.1	42.8	33.2	62.5	38.6	43.3

In the Berry Field: May 8th, 2025

 

In this week's edition of In the Berry Field; Sonny Murray gives a crop update for the major berry crops.  To view the video Click Here

Resources for Frost Protection in Strawberries:

OMAFRA: Factsheet- Irrigation for Frost Protection of Strawberries

https://files.ontario.ca/omafra-irrigation-frost-protection-strawberries-22-043-en-2022-12-16.pdf

Erica Pate, OMAFRA's Small Fruit Crop Specialist, hosted a webinar this week on Frost Protection in Strawberries and has allowed me to share the video.   Kathy Demchak, from PennState, reviews the options and the decision making process for frost protecting strawberries.  A sincere thanks to both Erica and Kathy for putting this webinar together.   

To watch the video ahead of this years frost season: Click Here

Miticides Registered on Berry Crops:

NT= Non toxic

HT= Highly toxic

Growing Degree Days tracker from AAFC Kentville Up Until May 5th:

A special thanks to Jeff Franklin from AAFC: Kentville for tracking and organizing the weather data found above.   

In the Berry Field: April 25th, 2025

In this week's edition of In the Berry Field; Sonny Murray gives a crop update for the major berry crops.  To view the video Click Here

 

Growing Degree Days tracked from AAFC Kentville up until April 21rd:

Frost Protection Lunch and Learn video is now available

Erica Pate, OMAFRA's Small Fruit Crop Specialist, hosted a webinar this week on Frost Protection in Strawberries and has allowed me to share the video.   Kathy Demchak, from PennState, reviews the options and the decision making process for frost protecting strawberries.  A sincere thanks to both Erica and Kathy for putting this webinar together.   

To watch the video ahead of this years frost season: Click Here

In the Berry Field: August 7th, 2025

In this week's edition of In the Berry Field; Sonny Murray gives a crop update for the major berry crops.  To view the video Click Here

For a list of products registered for control or suppression of Monilinia Blight/Mummy Berry please Click Here

Last Year's Highbush Blueberry Pruning Video's can be found here:

Pruning Young Plants   

Pruning Regular Crop

Pruning over Mature Crop 

Growing Degree Days tracker from AAFC Kentville Up Until April 3rd:

The warm stretches in March have really advanced the year compared to previous years.

A special thanks to Jeff Franklin from AAFC: Kentville for tracking and organizing the weather data found above.   

Just a Quick Reminder About the Frost Protection for Strawberries Webinar Taking Place Tuesday

 Frost Protection for Strawberries

Erica Pate, OMAFRA's Fruit Crop Specialist will be hosting this webinar and graciously asked that I pass along the invite to the growers in Eastern Canada.  So, keep in mind the time change when going through the registration process.  And a huge thank you to Erica for putting this together.  

When: April 8th, 2025 1:00-2:00 Atlantic Standard Time   

Where: Zoom

What: Kathy Demchak, berry extension associate from Penn State, will review frost protection methods for strawberries in unpredictable spring weather. Join this webinar to prepare for the season and to understand your options when temperatures drop.   

How: Register in advance for this meeting Click here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.