Division of Extension
The Badger Crop Connect series is developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension educators and specialists, and provides agronomists, crop consultants and farmers timely crop updates for Wisconsin.
Chris Bandura explores Wisconsin research on berseem clover and other legume cover crops, how nitrogen credits are calculated, and what farmers should consider when using cover crops to support crop nutrition and improve nitrogen use efficiency.
Josh Bendorf gives a mid‑summer weather update that reviews spring temperature and precipitation trends, drought conditions, crop progress, soil moisture levels, and what current forecasts could mean for the rest of the growing season.
Dr. Damon Smith gives a mid‑season update that covers tar spot in corn, white mold in soybeans, wheat disease risks, fungicide timing, and the first confirmed case of red crown rot in Wisconsin.
Dr. Matt Ruark discusses what’s changing in Wisconsin nutrient management guidelines for corn and soybeans.
Dr. Rodrigo Werle discusses why post‑emergence weed control is critical for protecting yield in corn and soybeans.
Dr. Jingyi Huang explores emerging sensor technologies that measure soil nitrate, moisture, and temperature to help farmers better understand nitrogen availability, nutrient losses, and crop needs throughout the growing season.
Dr. Natasha Rayne shares UW–Madison research exploring manure nitrogen availability, soil nitrate testing, crop sensing technologies, and environmental factors that influence in‑season nitrogen decisions.
Dr. Harkirat Kaur examines early‑season corn planting decisions in Wisconsin, focusing on opportunities to maximize yield and risks that can affect stand establishment.
Dr. Shawn Conley discusses agronomic decisions for soybeans planted in mid‑May in Wisconsin.
Dr. Emily Bick reviews key field and forage crop insect pest issues from 2025 and what to watch for in the upcoming 2026 season.
Alyssa Foss explains new pesticide label requirements related to the Endangered Species Act and how they affect pesticide use in Wisconsin.
Dr. Paul Mitchell provides a comprehensive update on agricultural policy and farm financial trends for spring 2026.
