IN THIS ISSUE OF AG UPDATE
- Corn Silage Pricing, Harvest Timing, and Beyond BMR
- 2025 Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results
- Soil Health Lab, Sampling, and Test Selection Considerations
- Field Notes Episode 27: Sunflower Production in Wisconsin
- The Different Types of Fiber and Their Role in Milk Production
- 2024 Wisconsin Custom Rate Guide
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Badger Crop Connect | Focus on Corn Silage
August 14, 2025, 12:30pm - 1:30pm, to register click HERE
Wisconsin Schools of Grazing | Seymour, WI
August 13-14, for more info and to register click HERE
Regional Nutrient Management Meeting | Jefferson County Extension Office
August 20, 2025, 10:00am - 1:00pm, for more info and to register click HERE
UW–Madison Organic Research Field Day | Arlington Research Station
August 26, 2025, 9:30am - 3:00pm, to register click HERE
UW–Madison Agronomy and Soils Field Day | Arlington Research Station
August 27, 2025, 8:00am - 12:00pm, for more info click HERE
Badger Crop Connect | Webinar
August 28, 2025, 12:30pm - 1:30pm, to register click HERE
Calving Management Practices and Neonate Care in Dairy Cattle | Jefferson Extension Office
August 28, 2025, 9:00am - 4:00pm, English session, to register click HERE
August 29, 2025, 9:00am - 4:00pm, Spanish session, to register click HERE
El "Break" Info Lechero | Webinar
Septemeber 3, 2025, 2:00pm, for more info and to register click HERE
Wisconsin Extension Weed Management Workshop | Arlington Research Station
September 11, 2025, 8:30am - 4:00pm, for more info and to register click HERE
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Corn silage pricing, harvest timing, and beyond BMR
One of the most common questions this time of year is, “How much is corn silage worth?” The truth is there is no one sure reply. The one constant is that grain prices drive the process of trying to arrive at a “fair” value. Instead of trying to come to an exact price, the goal is to identify and discuss the factors both parties involved in any transaction need to consider.
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With more than 90% of the corn in Wisconsin silking, harvest is just around the corner for many of the silage growers. The USDA crop progress report shows that more than 80% of the crop is under good to excellent condition, however, there are numerous factors such as silage moisture, dry down, other risk factors to consider for ensuring the right harvest decisions.
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Recent announcements from Corteva (Pioneer, Brevant, and Dairyland Seed) indicate that farmers need to plan for the eventual phase out of BMR products from the associated companies no later than the 2030 growing season. Read the article below to learn more about options beyond BMR.
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2025 winter wheat variety trial results
Wisconsin saw a 13% increase in winter wheat acres planted during the 2024–2025 growing season, reaching 300,000 acres. Of these, 250,000 acres are forecasted to be harvested for grain—up 14% from 2024. The forecasted average yield is 76 bu/a, a decrease of 6 bu/a compared to last year. Wheat acres were generally planted on schedule, aligned with average progress for corn and soybean harvest.
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Soil health lab, sampling, and test selection considerations
Soil health indicators are sensitive to a number of factors including soil type, in-field management practices, laboratory protocols, sampling time and depth, and spatial variation.
The goal of this article is to provide guidance related to the importance of using the same lab to assess changes in soil health over time, in addition to the importance of sampling at a consistent time of year and depth when collecting samples for soil health evaluation.
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Field Notes Episode 27: Sunflower Production in Wisconsin
In years of low commodity prices, most farmers think about where they might be able to cut costs. Some might begin to think about alternative crops can fit into row crop production. Enter the sunflower. From birdseed, to oilseed, and just looking dang pretty, sunflower production in the state remains miniscule compared to corn, soy, and wheat, but new crops like it can help farmers diversify income streams and reduce risk. So how do we grow them anyways?
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What are the different types of fiber and how do they support milk production?
Fiber is an important part of dairy cattle diets and much confusion exists surrounding the different types of fiber found in common diet feedstuffs and how they can be leveraged in a well balanced diet. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate and successful inclusion in the diet supports overall cow health and productivity. The article below will break down the different types of fiber and how each supports milk production.
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2024 Wisconsin Custom Rate Guide
In this report, we present the 2024 Wisconsin custom rates to facilitate negotiations because many farms rely on custom agricultural services. These rates are based on the 2024 Wisconsin Custom Rate Survey of Wisconsin farmers, farm managers and custom operators. The custom rates reported in this survey include fuel cost unless otherwise stated.
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Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook | Stay ahead of the weather with the Wisconsin Ag Climate Outlook email list. Get timely updates, expert analysis, and strategic insights tailored to Wisconsin's agricultural landscape.
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| Will Fulwider
Regional Crops Educator - Dane and Dodge County Extension
Email: will.fulwider@wisc.edu l Ph: 608 220 3577
Alison Pfau
Bilingual Regional Dairy Educator - Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, & Walworth County Extension
Email: alison.pfau@wisc.edu | Ph: 970 402 9710
Manuel Peña
Regional Dairy Educator - Dodge, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, & Sheboygan County Extension
Email: manuel.pena@wisc.edu | Ph: 920 449 0725
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