Current Wisconsin weather and climate conditions

• Temperatures were several degrees above normal last week, which has been the case for Wisconsin for most of this fall season. However, overnight lows did approach or drop below freezing on the night of October 22-23.
• Rainfall totals were relatively high across S WI last week, with most receiving more than a half inch, while NW to north-central WI saw only 0.25-0.5”.

Impact

• Topsoil moisture at most Wisconet research farm stations were slightly higher than last week’s levels due to higher rainfall totals for most. Satellite-based soil moisture products indicate soils are still drier than normal in the east and north, but closer to normal in the west.
• Drought coverage was unchanged from last week’s report.
• NASS crop progress reports are unavailable this week due to the federal government shutdown.

Outlook for Wisconsin weather and climate

• The best chances for rain over the next 7 days are on the west/northwest side of the state.
• Climate probabilities for the Oct-Nov transition indicate a slight lean towards above normal temperatures (33-50% chance for most; higher odds in the north).
• The outlooks for the month of November (updated on 10/16) indicate uncertainty for temperatures and precip for most of WI. There is a slight lean towards above normal precip in the north.

Agronomic considerations

• Field Work and Conditions
  • Check cover crop growth as recent rain may have allowed static seeds to germinate.
  • After crop harvest is an ideal time to take soil samples and plan ahead for next year’s crop nutrient needs.
  • Use the WI Frost Freeze Decision Page as overnight temperatures are dropping.
• Manure Applications
  • Reminder of Wisconsin’s NR 151 Runoff Rules with the timing of manure spreading and current runoff levels. Check DATCP Runoff Risk Advisory Forecast.
  • Fall is a great time to have manure samples analyzed for nutrient content before spreading. Here is a list of Wisconsin certified labs.
  • As you conduct fall spreading, keeping field records is important to estimate nutrient credits for next year’s crop and avoid over-application.  A2809 can provide guidance on these nutrient estimates.   
• Pest Management ​ 
  • In order to prevent weed seed spread from field to field, combine cleaning is essential for reducing seed travel between fields. There have also been many combine fires this year. Keeping combines clean will help minimize risk. ​
• Forage Management ​ 
  • Silo gas has been present around a variety of silage storage structures this year. Be aware of the dangers of silo gas and stay away from recently filled structures, particularly when the weather is calm with no wind.
  • Consider planting a cover crop after silage. This will aid in reducing soil erosion going into winter.
  • Avoid immediately grazing frost-damaged sorghum as the risk of prussic acid toxicity is high.
  • After corn is harvested, you may consider grazing corn stalks or harvesting corn stover, based on livestock needs
• Specialty crops- Fruit​
  • General
    • Fall Sanitation: Clean up weeds around trees and vines, mow aisles to allow for better light penetration to aid in decomposition of leaf/plant material.
    • Fall Sanitation: After leaf drop, chop, compost, remove or burn (where permitted) fallen leaf and plant material to limit potential for disease inoculum and any overwintering pests.
    • Remember to note observable fruit damage at harvest to make adjustments in next year’s pest management plan.
    • Wisconsin fruit growers can reference the Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide (MFPMG) for a list of registered products and recommended best practices. View the MFPMG Online or order a hard copy here: MFPMG Hard Copy.
    • Reminder: Always read and follow directions on the label and keep in mind pre-harvest intervals (PHI) as we move through harvest!
• Specialty Crops- Vegetables​
  • General
    • Fall is a great time to test your soil in part because it gives you more time to make management decisions based on your results. Although remember it is best to be consistent about to the time of year you test to allow for comparisons over time. A list of certified labs can be found here.
    • As crops finish up for the season, there is still time to establish a winter rye cover crop across the state. Rye has many potential benefits including prevention of erosion and holding nutrients in the soil, but keep in mind that cover crop benefits are strongly related to biomass. Knowing the planting window for your county can help you predict the amount of biomass and thus the likely cover crop benefits. If you are planting towards the end of the window, it is recommended to increase seeding rate to achieve more biomass. More management suggestions can be found here.
    • Pest management for next year’s crops starts this fall as many insects and diseases overwinter on crop residue. Residue management (either removing or tilling in residue) can help reduce next year’s pest and disease pressure. Additional info can be found here.
  • Pests
  • Aphids are a common high tunnel pest on fall and winter greens. The common species in high tunnels- green peach aphid, potato aphid, and fox glove aphid– are able to survive temperatures as low as 5°F. Population control will only become more difficult as temperatures drop so make sure to monitor and, when necessary, manage aphids this fall. Management options include biological controls such as parasitoid wasps and lady beetles, insecticides, and weed management to reduce alternative hosts. 
  • Also be on the lookout for cabbage aphids and green peach aphids on fall brassicas. Sings on aphids include yellowing & wilting leaves, deformed heads, & drops of honeydew aka aphid poop which is a thick, sticky liquid. Their populations can explode quickly in the fall as reproduction rates actually increase in cool temps (50-68°F).

If you would like to obtain a PowerPoint copy of this report, please email anastasia.kurth@wisc.edu.