Chris Clark, northeast Wisconsin regional outreach specialist for the Nutrient and Pest Management Program, recently appeared on the Dairy Stream podcast to discuss how shifting weather patterns are impacting Midwest agriculture and the adaptive strategies farmers are implementing.
Key Topics Covered
Weather Pattern Changes
Clark discussed how planting and harvesting windows are shifting earlier due to warmer winters and reduced ice coverage on the Great Lakes, while extended warm fall seasons create new opportunities for double cropping and fall forages.
Adaptive Strategies
The interview highlighted essential soil health practices including maximizing soil cover, year-round living roots, crop diversity, and minimal disturbance. Clark emphasized the importance of hard conservation practices like grassed waterways, buffer strips, and wetland preservation.
Economic Impact of Soil Erosion
Clark shared striking statistics: soil loss equivalent to the thickness of a dime (5.8 tons per acre) represents $287 in lost nutrients per acre, potentially costing a 150-acre farm over $43,000 annually.
Technology and Data Tools
Discussion included the value of UW–Madison’s Wisconet, precision agriculture tools, drone technology for targeted applications, and UW’s Ag Weather Outlook reports as decision-making resources.
Pest and Disease Management
Clark addressed emerging challenges with resistant weeds and new pest pressures, highlighting innovative solutions like “planting green” with cover crop biomass and the importance of diverse crop rotations.
Highlighted Resources
Wisconet
Weather stations across Wisconsin delivering real-time soil temperature and moisture data
Ag Weather Outlook for Wisconsin
Weekly in-season weather reports designed for Wisconsin farmers