Current Conditions

• •Rainfall totals were highest in the NW last week, bringing 30-day totals up above the climatological normal.
• •Temperatures last week were seasonal up until Sunday, when heat and humidity moved in.

Impact

•Soil moisture levels made notable gains in the N/NW, with 70% of the state reporting good or adequate conditions.

• Drought has been eliminated in the state, thanks to continued rainfall!

•Growing degree days are approaching 900 (600) units in the southern (northern) counties.

•Corn & soybeans are ≥80%emerged, with conditions for both crops at ~70%good to excellent.

Outlook

•The forecast is calling for multiple inches of rain in the NW next week. Excessive rainfall risk is in place.

•Higher likelihood to stay warmer-than-normal as we wrap up 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:

Crop Development

•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

•Hot days mean accumulations of 20+ GDUs per day.  Keep on top of your growth stages to time other applications.

Nutrient & Herbicide Applications

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

Manure Applications

•Runoff risk is severe in parts of 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.