▶ Managing Waterhemp in Spring Alfalfa Seedings
Dr. Mark Renz shares research-based guidance for managing waterhemp in spring-seeded alfalfa.
Pest Management
Extension specialists and educators provide timely information on management of weeds, insects and disease in Wisconsin cropping systems.
Articles
▶ 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.
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.
▶2026 Mid-Season Wisconsin Field Crop Disease Update
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.
▶ 2026 Wisconsin Post-Emergence Corn and Soybean Weed Control
Dr. Rodrigo Werle discusses why post‑emergence weed control is critical for protecting yield in corn and soybeans.
▶ 2026 Wisconsin Insect Pest Outlook
Dr. Emily Bick reviews key field and forage crop insect pest issues from 2025 and what to watch for in the upcoming 2026 season.
▶ 2026 Endangered Species Act Pesticide Labeling Requirements
Alyssa Foss explains new pesticide label requirements related to the Endangered Species Act and how they affect pesticide use in Wisconsin.
ESA Pesticide Label Changes – What You Need to Know for the 2026 Growing Season
New ESA pesticide label changes arrive for 2026. Wisconsin pesticide applicators, learn how these critical updates impact your upcoming spray season.
▶ Machinery in Diversified Vegetable Systems
This article walks through the different parts of and considerations around calibrating and using a backpack sprayer in diversified vegetable systems.
▶ Combine Cleaning: A Simple Step to Reduce Weed Seed Dispersal
Rodrigo Werle, Extension Weed Scientist and Daniel H. Smith, Nutrient and Pest Management Program Manager, demonstrate where weed seeds hide in a combine and how to clean a combine for weed seed management.
Johnsongrass in Wisconsin
Johnsongrass, a highly invasive perennial grass that invades and impacts agricultural and natural areas throughout the United States, is popping up in southern Wisconsin along roadsides, agricultural fields and recent restoration activities. Learn how you can help monitor the invasive species.
▶ Backpack Sprayers in Diversified Vegetable Systems
This article walks through the different parts of and considerations around calibrating and using a backpack sprayer in diversified vegetable systems.