IN THIS ISSUE OF AG UPDATE
- Foundational Crop Scouting Training in May and June
- Herbicide Rotational Restrictions, Weed Control, and Cereal Rye for Forage
- Maximizing Waterhemp Control with PRE-Emergence Herbicides in Wisconsin Corn-Soybean Systems
- 2025 Wisconsin Custom Rate Survey
- Field Notes Episodes 26: Avoiding Dockages and Pushing Yield with Wheat
- Does Milk Fat Depression Make You Feel Lost? Here's How To Troubleshoot It.
- What is Bovi-Noticias?
- Inherit It, Marry It... Or Co-Own a Farm?
- Harnessing the Power of Ag Tech: What Farms Need to Know
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Badger Crop Connect | Spring Forage Special
May 8, 2025, 12:30pm - 1:00pm, to register click HERE
Crop Scouting Training | Introduction to Crop Scouting
May 14, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, to register click HERE
Crop Scouting Training | Crop Staging, Stand Counts, Soil/Tissue Sampling
May 21, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, to register click HERE
Badger Crop Connect | Webinar
May 22, 2025, 12:30pm - 1:00pm, to register click HERE
Crop Scouting Training | Nurtient Deficiency Symptoms
May 28, 2025, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, to register click HERE
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Foundational Crop Scouting Training in May and June
Prepare for a successful scouting season and career with the free Extension Crops & Soils Foundational Crop Scout Training!
The Foundational Crop Scout training series is designed for entry-level crop scouts with limited or no scouting experience and anyone looking for a refresher course in basic scouting skills. We invite anyone looking for basic scout skills along with those working for crop consultants, industry agronomists, or ag service providers throughout Wisconsin to join us for this hybrid training opportunity. The program will provide crop scouts with the key foundational skills necessary for successfully scouting field crops including corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
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Herbicide Rotational Restrictions, Weed Control, and Cereal Rye for Forage
While many Wisconsin farms use cereal rye exclusively as a cover crop, it can also be a valuable, high-quality forage for livestock. When planted after the harvest of common Wisconsin agronomic crops (e.g., soybean, corn, and wheat), it establishes quickly and provides great soil cover. Spring cereal rye harvest and management for forage production is an important consideration and more information can be found here:
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Maximizing Waterhemp Control with PRE-Emergence Herbicides in Wisconsin Corn-Soybean Systems
Use of effective pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides remains the cornerstone of waterhemp management in Wisconsin’s corn-soybean production systems. Illinois research by Landau et al. (2021) demonstrated that 2 to 4 inches of rainfall within 15 days after PRE application significantly increases the likelihood of successful weed control. Additionally, using herbicide combinations not only requires less rainfall to maximize the probability of effective control but also improves weed control outcomes compared to single active ingredients.
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2025 Wisconsin Custom Rate Survey
UW-Madison is conducting a survey to estimate custom rates for various farming operations in Wisconsin. If you are a farmer or custom operator who performed or hired custom services in 2024, please help us out and participate.
The survey covers topics like tillage, planting fertilizer application, manure services, grain harvesting, and machinery rental. It takes about 15 minutes to complete, and you can skip sections that do not pertain to you. Responses are confidential. Participants who complete the survey with valid responses can enter a raffle for a chance to win one of ten $100 gift cards.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Paul Mitchell at pdmitchell@wisc.edu or (608) 320-1162 or Brian Luck at bluck@wisc.edu or (608) 890-1861.
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Field Notes Episode 26: Avoiding Dockages and Pushing Yield with Wheat
Before dairy, wheat was king in Wisconsin. Between 1840 and 1880, the state was largest wheat producer in United States, providing a full sixth of the nation’s supply. Today, wheat is 5% of total grain crop (corn, soy, wheat) acres in the state. While there are benefits to having wheat in the rotation and a healthy local market for straw, a higher potential for dockages due to quality standards than corn or soy can be a deterrent for farmers. We talk with Charlie Hammer a farmer near Beaver Dam and independent crop consultant Bill Stangel of Soil Solutions Consulting about how they manage their significant wheat acreage in Dodge County to keep DON levels low and test weight high to meet grade and push yields.
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Does Milk Fat Depression Make You Feel Lost? Here's How To Troubleshoot It.
Milk fat depression is commonly defined as a reduction in milk fat yield with no change in the yield of milk or other milk components. Managing risk factors associated with MFD is essential, but their presence does not necessarily mean a herd will experience the condition. When milk fat depression (MFD) occurs, it can leave dairy producers questioning where to begin troubleshooting. When milk fat depression (MFD) occurs, it can leave dairy producers questioning where to begin troubleshooting.
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What is Bovi-Noticias?
Developed at UW-Madison Division of Extension, Bovi-noticias is a collaboration between Educators on the Dairy team and Farm Management team. This bilingual (English & Spanish) newsletter was designed to support dairy farms and their employees. This publication delivers accessible, research-based information in both English and Spanish.
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The Role of Predictability and Calm Handling in Milk Letdown
Cows are creatures of habit. They thrive on predictable routines, gentle handling, and calm surroundings. A consistent routine in the milking parlor helps cows to relax. This allows their natural physiology to work in your favor. When cows feel safe, their bodies release oxytocin more easily. Oxytocin supports an efficient and complete milk letdown. Learn how calm and predictable handling plays a direct role in both udder physiology and parlor efficiency.
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Inherit It, Marry It... Or Co-Own a Farm?
Young farmers are often familiar with the old adage: if they want to own a farm, they must inherit it or marry it. However, farm succession planners know there’s a third, perhaps equally challenging, strategy: co-ownership. If you want to become a farm owner but aren’t sure you can afford to do it on your own, co-ownership could be a solution. In fact, farm succession plans often include stages of co-ownership of the farm. Co-ownership can help lessen the financial and managerial challenges of transitioning an operation all at once. Keep in mind that having a business partner may be just another type of marriage. Here’s how co-ownership works, along with risks and benefits to consider.
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Harnessing the Power of Ag Tech: What Farms Need to Know
As the agricultural industry evolves, staying informed and strategically planning for technology adoption will be crucial for farm success. This series will provide the insights and guidance necessary to help farmers navigate the rapidly changing environment of agricultural automation.
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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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