We're thankful for you this Thanksgiving!

Thank you to all the farmers, agronomists, and other ag support staff who are keeping us fed this Thanksgiving, and we hope you take good care to nourish both your body and mind. 

Featured in this holiday edition are updates to pesticide applicator training, weed management tips for next season, registration for quickly approaching winter events, and more. Read below and visit our website to learn more.

Potato Integrated Pest Management Back to Basics

This self-paced training aid includes videos and additional linked resources to walk new potato industry participants through basic production and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) options for potatoes grown in Wisconsin.   

Watch: Field Sprayer Calibration

As the 2025 growing season wraps up, it’s time to start thinking about the 2026 growing season. One key step to preparing for the next growing season is calibrating your sprayer for pesticide applications to ensure the proper rate and coverage of the pesticide is achieved. Watch Laura Flandermeyer and Jordan Kampa from the UW-Madison Extension Pesticide Applicator Training Program discuss the necessary equipment and proper steps for sprayer calibration. 

Listen - Water Talk: Inside the Working Cranberry Marsh

Water Talk is a national podcast about all things water hosted by Dr. Mallika Nocco (University of Wisconsin–Madison), Dr. Faith Kearns (Arizona State University), and Dr. Sam Sandoval (University of California, Davis; University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources).

Mallika, Faith, and Sam have a conversation with Dr. Leslie Holland, University of Wisconsin–Madison assistant professor and extension fruit crop pathologist, and Dr. Amaya Atucha, University of Wisconsin–Madison professor and extension fruit crops specialist, about cranberry production, water use, recycling, and enjoyment.

Using Cereal Rye Cover Crops to Boost Weed Control without Hurting Soybean Yield

Cereal rye (winter rye) continues to gain traction among Wisconsin and Midwest farmers as a soil conservation crop that can also play a big role in weed management. Our WiscWeeds research program, in collaboration with colleagues at UW–Madison and across the United States, has been evaluating how to make fall planted cereal rye a reliable partner in integrated weed management programs, particularly for managing troublesome weeds like waterhemp and giant ragweed.

Are You Certified to Apply Pesticides in 2026?

The Pesticide Applicator Training (PAT) opportunities will be offered in multiple formats for both Commercial Pesticide Applicators and Private Pesticide Applicators. Check your certification expiration date to ensure you are legally certified to apply pesticides in Wisconsin in 2026. Be aware, there are major changes to the self-paced online course for Private Pesticide Applicators in 2026!

The annual UW Badger Crops & Soils Update Meetings are three regional, one-day in-person sessions and one virtual session that present the latest information on agronomic, pest, and nutrient management research coming out of the University of Wisconsin with a lens to on-farm application.

Johnsongrass in Wisconsin

Johnsongrass, a highly invasive perennial grass that invades and impacts agricultural and natural areas throughout the United States, has been spotted in southern Wisconsin along roadsides, agricultural fields and recent restoration activities. Learn how you can help monitor the spread of this invasive species.

Listen - The Cutting Edge: Update on State and Federal Hemp Regulations

An update on state and federal hemp regulations currently being debated and their potential impacts on the cannabis industry in Wisconsin and beyond. Our guests are Dr. Shelby Ellison, assistant professor, UW–Madison Dept. of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences and Rob Pero, founder of multiple cannabis-focused organizations and businesses.

On-Farm Drone Technology Use Survey

The UW-Madison Division of Extension Crops and Soils Program is looking for feedback from farmers, agronomists, and custom applicators regarding the use of drone technology on farms across the state. Please provide your insight on drone technology through this brief survey. The survey should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

Listen - BMPs of NMPs #1 & #2: Introduction to Nutrient Management Planning and Wisconsin's 590 Nutrient Management Standard Today and Beyond

Across six episodes, we explore the fundamentals and best management practices (BMPs) of Nutrient Management Planning (NMP) in Wisconsin. In episode one, we introduce nutrient management planning, then dive into the past, current, and future status of Wisconsin's 590 Nutrient Management Standard in episode two.

Watch: Backpack Sprayers and Cover Crops in Diversified Vegetable Systems

These videos walk through the different parts and considerations of using a backpack pesticide sprayer as well as various timings, tools, and methods for seeding cover crops in diversified vegetable systems. 

Nitrogen Management Outreach Specialist

Lead on-farm research and outreach for the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program, helping farmers improve nitrogen efficiency and protect groundwater. Hybrid work options available. Apply by December 3, 2025. 

Soils Program Manager

Lead statewide efforts in soil and nutrient management, mentor educators, and build partnerships to advance sustainable agriculture. This role offers hybrid work flexibility and the chance to make a lasting impact on Wisconsin’s farming community. Apply by December 3, 2025.

Agriculture Policy Webinar Series

Online via Zoom

The Agriculture Policy webinar series will focus on policy changes affecting farm profitability, risk management, agriculture economics and markets for Wisconsin farmers and agricultural professionals.

December 1: Dairy Risk Management Programs, Trade Policy Impacts, and Market Outlook
December 8: Farm Policy Climate and What to Expect Moving Forward

Badger Crops and Soils Update Meetings

Dec. 2: Eau Claire
Dec. 3: Monroe
Dec. 4: Appleton or Virtual

The annual UW Badger Crops & Soils Update Meetings are three regional, one-day in-person sessions and one virtual session that present the latest information on agronomic, pest, and nutrient management research coming out of the University of Wisconsin with a lens to on-farm application.

Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference

Dec. 16 – 17
Wisconsin Dells

Explore the intersection of on-farm research, soil health, and water quality at UW–Madison Division of Extension’s Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference (WWASH) December 16–17, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells. Engage with other farmers, dynamic keynote speakers, participate in interactive breakout sessions, and contribute to thought-provoking roundtable discussions, all designed to deepen your expertise and provide actionable insights for your farm or the producers you support. Register at go.wisc.edu/WWASH

Organic Vegetable Production Conference

Jan. 22–23 | Online
Jan. 30–31 | In-Person, Madison

This producer-initiated conference is designed for advanced growers and attracts participants from throughout the Midwest and beyond.

Participants who register by January 6 will receive a conference packet with handouts and swag through the mail BEFORE the online sessions. Those who register after January 6 may receive the packet before or AFTER the online sessions. Online sessions are held over Zoom.

Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum

Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Madison

The Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum brings together leaders from across the agricultural sector to explore key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Wisconsin agriculture. The 2026 Wisconsin Agricultural Outlook Forum will focus on the Wisconsin Experience in Agriculture and Trade. Some measures show that Wisconsin seems to be bucking these national trends. Is this view accurate? Will this trend continue? Which agricultural sectors are struggling in the state? Which are thriving? What factors drive these different experiences with current trade issues in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Vegetable Crop Update Newsletter

Veggie producers, sign up to receive tailored updates from the UW–Madison Departments of Plant Pathology, Entomology, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, and Soil and Environmental Science. 

Sign up by contacting Dr. Amanda Gevens.

Wisconsin Fruit News

Fruit producers, sign up to receive tailored updates from the UW–Madison Fruit Program. Sign up and read more here.

Field Notes - DATCP's Pest Survey Program Newsletter

Sign up to receive pest monitoring data and maps, current articles on economically important plant pests affecting Wisconsin's field crops, fruits, vegetables, nurseries, and forests. Sign up on DATCP's website or read newsletters on the web here.  

UW–Madison Division of Extension Crops and Soils Program

Find articles, resources, educational events and more at cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Partially supported by National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Crop Protection and Pest Management-Extension Implementation Program award number 2024-70006-43559.