Articles
▶ Evaluating Nutrient Removal in Wisconsin Alfalfa Fields
Chris Bandura shares early results from a statewide project evaluating nutrient uptake and removal in alfalfa fields across Wisconsin, with a focus on improving fertilizer recommendations and potassium management.
▶ 2026 Mid-Summer Alfalfa and Forage Update
Kevin Jarek covers alfalfa and corn silage conditions across Wisconsin, including drought impacts, yield and quality observations, hay markets, storage considerations, and late-season management decisions.
The Cutting Edge: Reflections on the Honeyberry Season with Phil Stowe of Walking Plants Orchard
Phil Stowe of Walking Plants Orchard in Lake Osakis, MN, reflects on the 2026 honeyberry season.
The Cutting Edge Podcast Episode #57: Winter Camelina Market and Research Updates
An interview with Anna Teeter, Novel Oilseed Program Manager at Cargill, and Sam Bibby, Will Fulwider, and Anastasia Kurth from UW-Madison Extension. Resources Cargill – Grower Interest Form Cargill – Winter Camelina Grower Resources
▶ Managing Waterhemp in Spring Alfalfa Seedings
Dr. Mark Renz shares research-based guidance for managing waterhemp in spring-seeded alfalfa.
▶ Late Season Weeds and Controlling Weed Escapes
Dan Smith discusses late-season weed management and practices to control weeds, starting with cleaning combines after harvest this year.
The Cutting Edge: Reflections on the Honeyberry Season with Brett Amundson of Farm Lola
Reflections on the 2026 honeyberry season with Brett Amundson, Farm Manager of Farm Lola in Wrenshall, Minnesota. Resources Farm Lola
15 Tips for Effective Livestock Handling in Small Ruminant Grazing Systems
Livestock handling has the potential to make or break a grazing operation. So, developing good stockmanship skills and thoughtfully designing grazing infrastructure (fences, lanes, water, etc.) to accommodate low-stress animal handling should be a top priority for each farm.
What Your Plant Tissue Samples are Trying to Tell You
Every year, across Wisconsin and the Midwest, thousands of plant tissue samples are pulled from corn and soybean fields. They are bagged, labeled and shipped to the lab, and then a report comes back with results. And too often, that is where the story ends. Plant tissue testing is not just about measuring nutrients. It is about making decisions.
Vegetable Pest & Disease Forecasting with the VDIFN Tool: User Tutorial
Managing vegetable pests and diseases can be a challenge, especially when patterns and outbreaks vary from year to year. The Vegetable Disease and Insect Forecasting Network (VDIFN) helps take the guesswork out of management by providing data-driven risk forecasts for your farm. This guide walks you through key concepts behind pest and disease models, VDIFN basics and navigation, step‑by‑step examples for insect pest and disease forecasting, and resources for integrated pest and disease management.