Articles
Seed Cleaning on the Farm: Equipment Options and Considerations
The best seed-cleaning system depends on crop type, contamination issues, desired seed quality, and budget. For many farms, a fanning mill offers an excellent balance of flexibility, cleaning effectiveness, and affordability. Additional equipment such as aspirators, gravity tables, or optical sorters can be added to address specific seed quality challenges as needs evolve.
Soil Fertility Guidelines for Pastures in Wisconsin
How Often Should You Test Your Soil?
Decades of university research suggest something surprising: for most fields, annual soil testing provides little added value. The real question is not how often you can test but how often you can gather information that guides a management decision.
▶ Wisconsin Soil Test Results Summary
Andrew Stammer reviews soil test data collected from DATCP-certified Wisconsin soil testing laboratories between 2020 and 2024.
▶ Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancement Products: Real Value or Just Extra Cost?
Rianne Wagner discusses phosphorus fertilizer enhancement products and whether they add value or just cost.
▶ 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.