Wheat Pete's Word – RealAgriculture

It’s a classic early April juggling act—frosty mornings, slow-to-arrive spring warmth, and just enough field opportunity to keep everyone guessing. This week, Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson digs into frost applications, lingering corn harvests, and the big agronomy questions rolling in as the season tries to get going. From nitrogen timing to sulphur strategy and soil... Read More

It’s April 1st—and while there’s no shortage of surprises in this episode, none of them are jokes. From global fertilizer disruptions to frost-damaged wheat and standout western crops, host of Wheat Pete's Word Peter Johnson covers a wide range of timely agronomy observations and listener questions. There’s a mix of “yowzers” moments and practical takeaways... Read More

Cold mornings, wide weather swings, and plenty of field activity set the tone for this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. From early spring opportunities in southwestern Ontario to stark regional contrasts and agronomy insights, Peter Johnson covers a lot of ground—along with a few practical tips growers can put to use right away. This episode leans... Read More

It’s another week of wild weather swings across Ontario, and Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson is leaning into what that means for both risk and opportunity heading into Plant 2026. From frost seeding oats and early sulphur applications to concerns about winter injury and fertilizer handling, there’s plenty to unpack. This episode also covers practical watch-outs... Read More

On this week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter Johnson checks in from Ontario as spring conditions start to shift. From teaching the next generation of agronomists at Ridgetown Campus to assessing winter crop conditions across the province, Pete covers a wide range of agronomy questions. He also digs into management considerations for extremely... Read More

Spring has officially arrived—at least meteorologically—and Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson is feeling the energy shift. With warmer temperatures across parts of Ontario and winter wheat already breaking dormancy in the deep southwest, the conversation on Wheat Pete's Word this week ranges from big wheat yield potential and unusual winter weather in the U.S. Pacific Northwest... Read More

After a well-earned family break, Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson is back—and there’s no shortage of agronomy to cover in this late February episode. From manure management mishaps to sulphur math confusion and long-term compaction damage, this week’s Word is packed with practical lessons and listener-driven questions. As always, the episode blends sharp agronomy insight with... Read More

It’s the mid February edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, recorded a week early as Pete heads south for a family reunion. With an apology on maybe being slow to answer questions, this episode dives deep into paradigm shifts in soil biology, nitrogen thinking, and practical agronomy questions from the field. From dicamba stewardship to manganese... Read More

In this episode of Wheat Pete’s Word, Peter Johnson celebrates a slightly belated Canada’s Agriculture Day with a heartfelt "hats off" to the producers navigating the tough realities of weather and livestock. With the polar vortex finally breaking in the East, Pete shifts from shivering at minus 20 to digging into some truly staggering yield... Read More

February is rolling and Peter "Wheat Pete" Johnson is ready for more agronomic curveballs! This week’s Wheat Pete's Word podcast topics range from global grain logistics and soil biology to practical fertility math and a strong defence of tile drainage. Pete also digs into listener questions on sulphur, phosphorus, starter fertilizer, and lodging risk, while... Read More

In this week’s edition of Wheat Pete’s Word, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson battles the frigid conditions of late January in southwestern Ontario, finds silver linings in longer daylight, and dives into agronomy insights from conferences, provincial yield data, soil biology, nutrient questions, and crop management queries. Colder temps can’t stop the agronomic learning —... Read More

It may be a frosty January, but Wheat Pete’s bringing the heat with updates from near and very far. In this week’s episode, Pete dives into early planting in Alberta, puzzling oat flower failures, and where sulphur is truly paying off. Plus, he tackles questions on winter crop survival, winter canola rotations, and the science... Read More

Wheat Pete is back in the pulpit this week with passionate calls for better manure stewardship, more diverse crop rotations, and a wary eye on weed resistance. He shares standout moments from Ontario’s winter ag conferences and dives into listener questions on phosphorus placement, product flops, and winter wheat survival. Have a question you’d like... Read More

The new year is off and running, and Wheat Pete is energized by the learning and connections happening at Ontario’s winter ag conferences! In this first episode of 2026, Peter Johnson dives deep into fertilizer economics, the legalities of road safety, fungicide's value with or without disease, and how to keep those tar spot losses... Read More

It’s the final Word of 2025, landing just in time for Christmas! In this special year-end episode, Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson shares agronomic insights with a philosophical twist — encouraging rest, reconnection, and a deeper look at the long-term impacts of what we do, both in the field and in life. Have a question you’d... Read More

It’s the second-last Word of 2025, and Wheat Pete is diving into resistance risks, fertilizer economics, and the big agronomic takeaways from recent conferences. From septoria strains in the UK to corn-on-corn nitrogen credits, there’s no shortage of head-turning info this week — plus a reminder to challenge long-held practices (like plowing down red clover).... Read More

This week’s episode of Wheat Pete’s Word features snow complaints, yield highs and lows, and some fascinating developments in nitrogen-fixing wheat. Host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson delivers updates from the field, research trials, and social media chatter—with his usual blend of insight, storytelling, and agronomic know-how. Smile at someone, shovel snow (again), and read on... Read More

On this episode of the Wheat Pete’s Word podcast, host Peter Johnson blends safety tips, agronomy advice, and some hard-earned patience. From bin safety and conference deadlines to corn stalk residue and the eternal yield monitor debate, this episode is packed with timely updates and thoughtful reminders for winter planning and spring prep. Oh—and remember:... Read More

We’re rolling into meeting season, Ontario’s wheat acres are way up, and Wheat Pete has residue on the brain. In this jam-packed episode of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter Johnson dives into plot data, soil compaction, and residue trials with some surprising findings. Plus, he answers listener questions on nitrogen, economics, and whether seed-to-soil contact... Read More

Short days, dry corn, and long economic conversations — this week, host of Wheat Pete's Word, Peter Johnson tackles everything from crop stress lessons to how not to waste cash on unnecessary tillage. Plus, he issues an alert on DON levels and gives a nudge for more farmer-to-farmer data sharing. Let’s dig in! Have a... Read More

Winter has arrived with a vengeance in much of Ontario, but that’s not slowing Wheat Pete down! In this podcast episode, he covers everything from Ontario’s record corn yields to the agronomic nuances of manganese, crop sequence vs rotation, and how not to get fooled by big yield plots. There’s also a shoutout to good... Read More

November isn't usually known for being warm and dry, and this year is no exception, as snow begins to fly in parts of Western Canada — even a few spots in Ontario. For this week's episode of Wheat Pete's Word, we're going to start with wet weather, how it complicates corn dry-down, and so much... Read More

Welcome to the Wheat Pete's Word podcast where host Peter Johnson shares plot results, agronomic observations, and answers your agronomy questions. This week: he's got a lot to say, mostly about corn, fertilizer, and soil sampling. Tap above to listen, or download the podcast for listening later. Have a question you’d like Wheat Pete to... Read More

Rain, rain, and more rain! After a warm, too-dry fall, moisture has finally returned to many areas of Ontario, and with it, plenty of wheat, canola, and soybean questions for Wheat Pete to tackle. In this episode of Wheat Pete's Word, host Peter “Wheat Pete” Johnson covers fall crop emergence updates, listener feedback on combine... Read More

Corn harvest, fall crop conditions, and agronomic decisions take centre stage in this week’s Wheat Pete’s Word. With wild swings in corn yield—even within the same field—subsoil moisture is proving to be a major yield driver. Peter Johnson tackles questions on wheat emergence, tillage timing, cover crop management, and leaf burn risk in this week's... Read More

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