▶ Spring Grazing Checklist

Jason Cavadini, UW–Madison Extension grazing outreach specialist, provides a comprehensive checklist for spring grazing, aimed at optimizing forage production and extending the grazing season.

▶ Forage Insect Pest Update

Dr. Emily Bick, assistant professor and extension specialist for field and forage pests in the UW–Madison Department of Entomology, provides an update on forage insect pests, focusing on alfalfa weevils, potato leaf hoppers, and slugs.

▶ Determining the Value of Standing Forage

Kevin Jarek outlines the key factors needed for accurate valuation, including expected dry matter yield, estimated value per ton of dry matter, and harvest costs.

▶ May 8 Wisconsin Ag Weather Update

Join Josh Bendorf from the Wisconsin State Climatology Office as he provides an update on Wisconsin’s weather and considerations for ag professionals.

Fungicide Use on Small Grains in Wisconsin

Integrated with cultural control practices such as variety selection for disease resistance and crop rotation, fungicides can be an important tool of integrated disease management for small grain systems.

Notes from the Field: A Growers Perspective – Ben Kraus Chat #2

Welcome back to another season of Notes from the Field! This year’s Notes from the Field will follow Ben Kraus with Gwenyn Hill Farm (Waukesha). As we kick off bloom in Wisconsin, hear from Ben on how he’s tackling early season management decisions.

Soil Fertility Overview for Small Grain Production in Wisconsin: A one-stop shop

Nutrients are vital for crop development and yield outcomes, but they are also an input cost that should be optimized for profit; not yield alone. This document serves as a centralized resource containing soil fertility information for small grain crops.

Notes from the Field: A Growers Perspective – Ben Kraus Chat #1

Welcome back to another season of Notes from the Field! This year’s Notes from the Field will follow Ben Kraus with Gwenyn Hill Farm (Waukesha). The goal of this newsletter is to hear from the grower’s perspective and foster connection between fruit growers.

Field Notes Episode 26: Avoiding Dockages and Pushing Yield with Wheat

Before dairy, wheat was king in Wisconsin. Between 1840 and 1880, the state was largest wheat producer in United States, providing a full sixth of the nation’s supply. Today, wheat is 5% of total grain crop (corn, soy, wheat) acres in the state. While there are benefits to having wheat in the rotation and a healthy local market for straw, a higher potential for dockages due to quality standards than corn or soy can be a deterrent for farmers.

Pricing Standing Alfalfa

Pricing standing alfalfa requires an open conversation between buyer and seller, with both parties understanding the inherent value of the forage as well as the cost and risks of harvesting.