High soil test phosphorus is a challenging issue that requires a combination of strategies for long-term nutrient management. Start here to understand all the tools you have in your phosphorus management toolbox.
Alfalfa stand quality can (and should!) be evaluated in both spring and fall. Fall evaluations have the advantage of giving us more time to make management decisions for the following growing season, such as fertilizer application, spring herbicide strategies, and crop sequencing. Learn what to look for in this article.
Treated seed is the default for planted soybean (60-80%) and especially corn (close to 100%) acres across the US. While there are certainly advantages to some seed treatments, especially fungicidal treatments for early planted soybeans, others like insecticidal seed treatments can have a negative effect on the beneficial insects–aka good bugs–that prey on major pests in agricultural fields. Some farmers in a bid to save some money and help out the beneficials have gone back to planting naked seed.
While legume longevity can be improved through grazing and fertility management, it is a common practice to reseed legumes every few years. This is often achieved by interseeding into established pastures by no-till drilling or frost-seeding. Each method has unique benefits and drawbacks.
This Strategic Plan outlines key development priorities to advance each crop based on extensive input and analysis from early-adopter growers and stakeholders working to develop the crop.
This article highlights the characteristics of healthy soil and describes how these characteristics, and soil health generally, can contribute to sustainable crop production and indirectly impact society beyond the farm field.
This article provides a brief overview of Wisconsin Supplemental Coverage Option and discusses its performance from 2015 to 2023.
The fourth Focus on Forage webinar in the 2025 series, Focus on the Alfalfa Toolbox, features research-based tools and resources for Wisconsin forage growers.
The third Focus on Forage webinar in the 2025 series, Focus on Forage Cover Crops, features research-based resources and management strategies to keep forage systems productive over time.
Without insulating snow, wheat plants are exposed to freezing conditions, damaging their crowns and roots. Assessing stands in the spring will help producers determine if their crop has survived and is strong enough for a good yield.
In recent marketing years, the payouts from ARC and PLC programs have shown variability, largely influenced by market and local conditions. This variability can make it challenging for individual farmers to choose the most suitable option for their specific area and crop. To assist with this decision, Extension has developed a What-If Tool to help Wisconsin producers analyze potential payments at various price levels and county yields.
The second Focus on Forage webinar in the 2025 series, Focus on Corn Silage, features research-based corn silage resources and management strategies to keep fields productive over time.
