Current Wisconsin weather and climate conditions

• Most of last week’s precipitation was concentrated down in the SE corner of the state, with totals of 1-2″
• ​ Cooler-than-normal conditions were common across the state last week, a switch from what had been warmer-than normal conditions for much of March

Impact

• Soil moisture conditions remain driest in the northwest and south were D1 drought persists. However, drought improvements of 1 class were prevalent across the north in part due to the later winter storm
• Wildfire risk is moderate to high across most of the state, except for the far north where recent precipitation has been higher
• Wisconet soil temperature readings at 20″ depth are at or above freezing statewide. Frost continues to thaw

Outlook for Wisconsin weather and climate

• Statewide chances for 7-day precipitation: highest chances in the south with a rain/snow mix to impact the region on Wednesday (4/9) 
• As we head into mid-April, temperature probabilities are leaning toward near normal with precipitation probabilities leaning toward above normal
• April as a whole looks more uncertain for temperatures and precipitation with equal chances for above, near or below normal

Agronomic considerations

• Field Work and Conditions
  • Soil temperatures to 4″ still cool, ensure temps are reaching 50°F at a minimum before planting. See WiscoNet. ​ Also note upcoming insurance dates.
  • Avoid trafficking fields in moist conditions to prevent compaction and rutting. ​ 
  • Avoid fertilizer applications in wet and cool conditions. Nitrogen loss is greater in wet conditions.  ​ 
  • In drier regions of the state, consider earlier termination of cover crops to retain soil moisture if conditions remain dry. ​ 
• Manure Applications
  • Reminder of Wisconsin’s NR 151 Runoff Rules with the timing of manure spreading and current runoff levels. Check DATCP Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast.
• Pest Management ​ 
  • Start scouting fields by foot to note any early emerging weeds. ​ 
• Forage Management ​ 
  • Check alfalfa fields for signs of winterkill.​
• Small Grains​ 
  • Assess winter grain stands.
  • If warmer weather continues, there is potential for early planting of spring grains, but be aware of continuing possibility of freeze.​ 
• Livestock Considerations
  • Keep livestock out of critical and sensitive areas with soft, muddy ground, see this article on the value of keeping cattle clean.
  • Regulate body temperature and wetness of calves. Make sure dry bedding (e.g., hay, grass) is available to keep calves dry.
• Specialty crops- vegetables​
  • Small scale producers may consider tarping fields with adequate (but not excessive) soil moisture to avoid spring rains for later planting​.
    • Tarping in the Northeast: A Guide for Small Farms – SARE
  • Winter cutworms are active at 40°F- check high tunnel crops ( ex: overwintered hardy greens and direct seeded spring greens) for cutworm damage
    • Winter cutworms in high tunnel crops – Cornell University
  • Asparagus cultivation can occur in early spring (very shallowly- less than 2 inches) before spears emerge to control bad weed problems or incorporate fertilizer.
• Specialty Crops- Fruit​
  • Pre-emergent herbicide applications should be applied prior to green tip, during a dry period where temperatures will remain above 40°F for several days post-application.
    • Importance of Spring Herbicide Applications in Fruit Trees– Michigan State University
  • Dormant copper and urea applications used to reduce fire blight and apple scab inoculum should be applied prior to green tip.
    • Early Season Disease Prevention– UW–Madison
  • Prune out damaged, dead or diseased tissue and remove any fruit mummies from the tree canopy prior to green tip. Growers can chop, bury or burn (where permitted) prunings.
    • Sanitation for Disease Prevention – UW–Madison

If you would like to obtain a PowerPoint copy of this report, please email rue.genger@wisc.edu.