Current Wisconsin weather and climate conditions

• Temperatures were closer to normal last week, a shift from what has been a very warm fall. The southern region was 1-4°F below normal, with conditions closer to seasonal in the north.​
• Rainfall totals were 0.25” or less across most of WI last week, with higher totals closer to Lake Superior (1-2”) and on the east-central side of the state (0.25-0.5”).

Impact

• Topsoil moisture at most Wisconet research farm stations were within 1-2% of last week’s moisture levels. Satellite-based soil moisture products indicate soils are much drier than normal in the east and north, but closer to normal in the west.
• D0-D1 coverage expanded in the state, primarily in the southwest. D2 was added near Monroe, by the IL border.
• 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 in the far north, with lighter totals forecasted statewide through Sunday (11/2).
• Climate probabilities for early to middle November indicate a stronger lean towards warmer-than-normal conditions.
• 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.
  • It is not too late to plant a cover crop! Cereal rye can germinate at temperatures as low as 33°.
• 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. ​
  • If you have ear rots present in your corn fields, prioritize harvesting diseased grain first and dry quickly. Read how to manage mycotoxins in storage.
• Forage Management ​ 
  • After corn is harvested, you may consider grazing corn stalks or harvesting corn stover, based on livestock needs.
• Specialty crops- Fruit​
  • 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​
  • 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 to make accurate comparisons over time it is important to test at the same time of year each 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.
  • 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 the release of lady beetles, insecticides, and weed management to reduce alternative hosts. 

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