Using Disease Forecasting Tools to Make Better In-Season Management Decisions and Tar Spot Found in WI

As we move deeper into the growing season, fungicide application decisions become one of the biggest sources of stress for farmers across the Midwest. Between aggressive marketing, endless online opinions, and an expanding list of fungicide products, determining whether, and when, to spray can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, advances in plant pathology and epidemiology have led to the development of disease forecasting tools that help improve decision-making and increase the likelihood of an economic return from fungicide applications. 

Tar spot was found in Lafayette County on July 9. Before anyone panics, it is important to remember one thing: Tar spot is present, but disease incidence and severity are currently very low. There is no immediate need to apply fungicides. Instead, now is the time to prepare, scout fields, and develop a management plan.

Help Shape the Future of the WiscWeeds Program

As WiscWeeds continues to grow, they want to ensure their weed research and Extension efforts remain relevant, practical, and responsive to the needs of agriculture in Wisconsin and beyond. To help accomplish that, they have developed a short stakeholder survey.

The survey will help us:

• Better understand the impact of the WiscWeeds program
• Estimate the value our recommendations provide to agriculture
• Identify priorities for future research and educational programming
• Continue improving how we serve farmers and agricultural professionals
• The survey takes approximately 10 minutes, responses are confidential, and results will be summarized only in aggregate.

Dodge County Research Farm Field Day, July 29

No Till, No Spray, No Weeds & Experiences in Organic Field Day, August 6

Interested in organic transitions, reducing herbicide use on your farm, or just curious about some of the new tech out there? Join us for field tours of no-till research trials. Hear results from 10 years of roller crimping and see this year’s plots. Get an update on the state of herbicide resistance and what this could mean for future weed management. See a demonstration of Greenfield Robotics’ new interrow mowing robot. Stick around after the free lunch to learn more about organic production and certification. 

Why Do Dairy Cows Need Fat? A Guide to Using Fats in Cattle Diets

As we keep adding more information about the basics of nutrition, today we wanted to talk about fat. Dietary lipids provide high-density energy to dairy cows, primarily boosting milk production and reproductive performance. Microbes in the rumen tend to turn unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fatty acids through a process called biohydrogenation. Later, the fatty acids go to the small intestine for absorption. Managing this fat intake within specific thresholds prevents negative rumen fermentation impacts while supporting cows through early lactation energy deficits