Current Conditions

• 2-3” of rainfall widespread across much of WI, with heavier bands of 4-6” for parts of S WI.
• Damaging tornadoes, winds, and hail were prevalent this week.
• Heat & humidity persisted for most of the state, keeping temperatures 2-10°F above normal, except for NW WI.

Impact

•A majority of top and subsoils remain in adequate condition; meanwhile, numerous rivers are under minor and moderate flood stages.

• Drought has been eliminated in the state, thanks to continued rainfall!
• Drought has stayed away from WI, but unfortunately dryness has increased in the lower Midwest.

•Growing degree days surpassed 1000 units in southern counties and are approaching 700 units to the north.

•Corn & soybeans are ~90% emerged, with conditions for both crops at ~65% good to excellent.

Outlook

•The forecast is calling for 1+” of rain statewide over the next week; potentially 1.5-2+” for SE WI.

• Excessive rainfall risk is in place.

•Potentially warmer and wetter to begin July.

•It’s possible warmer-than-normal conditions will persist throughout July, August, and September.

•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 going in the fields muddy conditions to avoid compaction, especially with more rain forecasted.

•As we are at 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 to assess fertilizer needs.

•Consider splitting nutrient applications if possible

•Consider using urease and nitrification inhibitors to minimize leaching or denitrification.

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.

•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.