Current Conditions

• June has started off wetter-than-normal for many in the S and NW, adding to yearly totals already higher-than-normal in the S.
• Temperatures last week were a bit cooler than normal for this time of year, more so in the S.

Impact

•Soil moisture levels were similar or dropped a bit from the week of 5/20.

• •<1% of the state is in D1 drought, with 0% in D2 or higher.
• •Only 5% of the state is reporting short or very short subsoil moisture.

•GDD accumulation in the state trends is running at 600-700 GDD (300-400 GDD) in the S (N).

•Corn & soybeans are >60% emerged, with planting >80% for both crops.

Outlook

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

•Above normal temps as June progresses, with probabilities for precip leaning near normal for mid-June.

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

•A transition to La Niña is expected by June.

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

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, but definitely possible. Be mindful of the possibility of runoff and plan manure applications accordingly. Check the DATCP runoff risk advisory forecast here.

Pest Management

•Black cutworm feeding damage is ongoing throughout Wisconsin, variegated cutworm feeding has begun, and true armyworms are also still likely. Sign up to receive text alerts when pests are in your region here.

•Alfalfa weevil damage is present throughout the state

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

Forage Management

•Watch alfalfa for lodging as RFQ values from lab testing are outpacing predictions based on PEAQ readings, favorable conditions have led to a crop that grows quite tall before entering reproductive stages