Extension Regional Ag Update

November 2023

Effects of Hail Damage on Standing Corn Silage Nutrient Composition:

A 2023 Case Study

During the summer of 2023 Northwest Wisconsin experienced several hail events. Large hail and 60 mph straight line winds came through the Rice Lake area of Barron County on July 20, 2023. On July 24, a hail event also caused damage in central St. Croix County. Adverse weather events, such as drought, wind damage, and hail damage, can create uncertainty for corn growers and livestock producers on potential effects on corn silage yield and nutrient content. Fresh samples from standing corn fields affected from these hail events were collected and analyzed for nutrient composition. Ten samples were collected from fields with hail damage. Nine samples from nearby fields with no or minimal hail damage were collected for comparison.

Summary of Sample Analysis

Survey seeks to understand the unique challenges of transporting pre-weaned calves in Wisconsin’s dairy industry

Moving pre-weaned calves from their birth dairy to an off-site rearing facility is a common practice within the dairy industry. According to the USDA National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS), most large operations (62.8%) sent dairy heifer replacements to an off-site rearing facility as pre-weaned calves. But moving these newborn calves presents unique challenges that may not be seen in the adult counterpart.

In collaboration with Colorado State University, UW-Madison Division of Extension Dairy Program Area seeks to learn the practices and challenges of transporting the pre-weaned calf in Wisconsin. Extension is conducting a research survey to describe current industry practices regarding the transportation of pre-weaned dairy heifer replacements, dairy bulls, and/or beef x dairy calves. The survey includes input from the source farm (owner or dairy producer, regardless of operation size), the transportation drivers, and the receiving operation (custom calf raiser, off-site calf rearing facilities, auction yards, steer raisers, etc.)

To participate in the survey, please visit and complete the 10–15-minute survey at http://go.wisc.edu/calftransportsurvey and use the password: Holstein23. The survey is voluntary and confidential. The information gained will help Extension better understand current industry practices for transporting calves on milk and if these practices differ for dairy replacement heifers, dairy bull calves, and beef x dairy calves.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please contact UW-Madison Extension Regional Dairy Educator Tina Kohlman at tina.kohlman@wisc.edu or Colorado State University Assistant Professor Catie Cramer at catie.cramer@colostate.edu.

Survey Found Here

Farm Pulse: Crop Insurance and Grain Marketing Kick Off Events

Join us for one of the three FREE sessions around the state to learn from Cory Walters, Ag Economist from UNL, and others as we prepare to the launch the Farm Pulse: Crop Insurance & Grain Marketing course!

Learn More & RSVP

December 7-8th, 2023:

Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference

We are excited to announce that on December 7 and 8th 2023 a new event, the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference (WWASH) will take place. The WWASH conference is building upon the legacies of two pivotal events, the Wisconsin Cover Crop Conference and the Discovery Farms Conference.

Ten years ago, the topics of cover crops and soil health seemed experimental and our understanding of the impact on water quality was not very clear. Today, these topics are brought together because implementing practices that support Wisconsin’s natural resources is complex and challenging. Both conferences have been successful and growing for the last ten years, attracting innovators and leaders. Joining these conferences allows us to present a conference with more keynotes and a wider range of featured topics in breakout sessions to an integrated audience of farmers, crop consultants, natural resources professionals, agency staff and other interested stakeholders. Attendees will experience thought provoking discussions and walk away with a better understanding of the intersections of agronomy, water and soil health. This inaugural event will be held at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells.

Prices Increase November 28th!

For More Information

Pesticide Applicator Testing 2024

Manual: All manual sales will be done through the UW PAT Program. https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/home PLEASE NOTE: No Manuals will be sold at County Extension office.

Training: Self Study, Online General Farming Training, Zoom Training, In-Person Training

Testing: At County Extension Offices

Visit Here to Order Book and Register

PAT Zoom Watch Parties and Testing in 2024

Several office will offer a group ZOOM Training followed by testing on the following dates and locations. Cost is $10.00. Register at: https://patstore.wisc.edu/secure/collection/private/45

Pierce County:

Date: February 5, 2024

Time: 9:00 am; training will last about 3.5 hours. Test will be administered direclty following training.

Location: Pierce County Courthouse Annex, 432 W Main St, Ellsworth, WI

Barron County:

Date: February 15, 2024

Time: 9:00 am; training will last about 3.5 hours. Test will be administered direclty following training.

Location: Barron County Governement Center, 330 E Monoe Ave, Barron, WI

St. Croix County:

Date: February 27, 2024

Time: 9:00 am; training will last about 3.5 hours. Test will be administered direclty following training.

Location: Ag and Education Buidling, 1960 8th Ave, Baldwin, WI

Polk County:

No watch party, test only to be administerd at the Polk County Office.

Contact your local county Extension office to scheudule a test or if you have questions.

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