Current Conditions

• Rainfall totals from last week were lesser than in prior weeks, with higher totals in the NW.
• Temperatures last week were seasonal, reaching up into the low to mid 80’s for most in the state.

Impact

•Soil moisture remains at wetter-than-normal levels for most, with 70% of the state reporting good or adequate conditions.

• <1% of the state is in D1 drought, with 0% in D2 or higher.

•Average soil temperatures are in the mid-to-upper 60’s, warming by a few degrees from last week

•Corn & soybeans are ≥75%emerged, with conditions for both crops at ~70%good to excellent.

Outlook

•The forecast is calling for more rain statewide next week; highest in the NW.

•Higher likelihood for above normal temperatures as we head into the second half of June.

• This period is also leaning wetter-than-normal.

•The warmer-than-normal conditions have a higher probability to continue through the summer.

•A transition to La Niña is expected over the summer months.

What does this mean for you? Here are some things to consider for your farm this week:

Planting Considerations

•Soil moisture is adequate or even high in most places. Be cautious about planting into muddy conditions, especially with more rain forecasted.

•In the event of poor soybean emergence, consider replanting using these tools to aid your decision

•As we near the end of planting season, consult your crop insurance agent before making decisions regarding prevent plant or replant

• Cover crops(non-corn) on prevent plant acres may now be harvested as forage at any time during the season
  • See info on alternative forages and cover crops

Nutrient & Herbicide Applications

•Consider doing tissue testing and pre-sidedress nitrate testing after crop has emerged to assess fertilizer need.

•Early planted corn and soybeans have emerged. Properly staging your crop assists with timing future applications. Growth stage guides available for corn, soybean and wheat at Growing Guides – Integrated Pest and Crop Management – UW–Madison (wisc.edu)

Manure Applications

•Runoff risk is sporadic across the state in the next week. Be mindful of the possibility of runoff and plan manure applications accordingly. Check the DATCP runoff risk advisory forecast here.

Pest Management

•Variegated cutworm is showing up in parts of the state Sign up to receive text alerts when pests are in your region here.

•Alfalfa weevil damage is present throughout the state, with the main feeding area heading North this week.

•Start to monitor for potato leafhopper pressure in alfalfa

•Consider applying a fungicide on winter wheat as conditions have been right for Fusarium Head Blight and vomitoxin development, read more here.

Forage Management

•Warm temperatures may bring opportunities for haylage in a day for those still taking first cut. Ensure wide swaths to increase dry down rate.

•Monitor regrowth for weevil damage, warm temperatures should lead to quick regrowth of alfalfa.