2025 Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Annual Report
Explore 2025 Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program activities, projects, and program details.
Articles
▶ Can Clover Cover Crops Provide Nitrogen Credits to Corn?
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.
▶2026 Mid-Season Wisconsin Ag Weather Recap and Outlook
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.
How to Build a Partnership with a Custom Operator
Learn what to consider when deciding whether to hire a custom operator for your farm.
Research Brief: Nitrogen Fertilization vs Legumes for Dairy Heifer Grazing
In 2023, a grazing farmer network in northwestern Wisconsin was asked to identify the greatest needs for research. At the top of their list was the practice of winter bale grazing. We designed a research project that sought to answer some of their questions about the practice.
The Cutting Edge Podcast Episode #56: Saffron Production and Marketing
A conversation with Dr. Margaret Skinner, Research Professor and Extension Entomologist, and Dr. Richard Bamford, Research Scientist, of the University of Vermont about growing and marketing saffron. Resources North American Center for Saffron Research & Development – University of Vermont
The Cutting Edge: Field Notes, Hops with Randy Urness of Fine Bine Farms (Part II), June 24, 2026
An update from Randy Urness of Fine Bine Farms about what he’s seeing in his hop yard right now and doing for management. Resources Fine Bine Farms
The Cutting Edge: Field Notes, Honeyberries with Mark Villers of Homestead 36 Farms, June 24, 2026
A conversation with Mark Villers of Homestead 36 Farms in Door County, Wisconsin. Mark grows honeyberries, aronia berries, elderberries, and currants on about 8 acres. Resources Homestead 36 Farms
▶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.
▶ Updates to A2809: 2026 Wisconsin N, P, and K Recommendations for Corn and Soybeans
Dr. Matt Ruark discusses what’s changing in Wisconsin nutrient management guidelines for corn and soybeans.
▶ 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.
▶From Soil Sensors to Nitrogen Decisions: New Technologies for Wisconsin Agriculture
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.