Weekly Ag Update
Weekly Field Crop IPM Report; By Ned Birkey, MSU Extension Educator Emeritus/ Spartan Agricultural Consulting; [email protected]; August 21, 2024
The agricultural weather forecast, by the National Weather Service’ Climate Predication Center, is changing back from the cooler to more seasonal temperatures.? The 8-to-14-day outlook for August 28 to September 3, updated August 20, is predicting very likely above normal temperatures and leaning to a below normal outlook for precipitation.? ?On August 21, data from the MSU Enviroweather station at Deerfield/ Blissfield has recorded 15.49 inches of rain since April 1, a five-year high amount.? However, since July 1, this site has recorded only 3.96 inches of precipitation, compared to a five-year average amount of 4.63 inches of rain, with a low of 1.87 inches in 2020.? Growing degree day (GDD) (heat units) at this same location since April 1 has been 2328.2 GDD (base 50oF), compared to a five-year average of 2209.3 GDD.? ?Aaron Wilson of Ohio State concurs that our area of southeast Michigan and northwest Ohio is abnormally dry as of an August 13 U.S. Drought Monitor report.?
Soil compaction effects on crops might be showing up now as shorter, stunted plants, particularly in end-rows, high traffic or turning rows.? Digging up roots may show fewer roots or roots growing sideways instead of down into the soil profile.? Less root volume and shape will affect above ground growth and development, particularly now that plants are in the reproductive growth phases and yields can be estimated.? Diagnosing soil compaction might lead to re-thinking tire size and air pressure, tractor weighting and ballasting, wet soils and drainage tile and other management or agronomic changes in the future.
Fall Armyworm, Sudden Death Syndrome, grasshoppers, soybean cyst nematodes, spider mites, Japanese beetles, Bean leaf beetles and manganese deficiency are some of the pest problems that farmers should be scouting for.? Many corn fields, if at the R5, dent stage, are past consideration for tar spot spraying.? Now is also the time to note weed escapes or infestations for 2025 field and crop planning.? And note what weeds the neighbor may have that where seeds could move into your fields!
The 2024 MSU and OSU Wheat Variety Trial results are available for consideration of the upcoming planting season.? Still recommended is planting at or just after the Hessian fly-free date, but farmers should consider lower seeding rates than previously.? One old standard of 1.5 million seeds per acre has been lowered to even 1 million seeds, which can still achieve high yields and save money on seed.? Commonly reported is 60 percent of the yield potential of wheat is determined once the drill leaves the field.? Now may be a good time to pull a new soil test before seeding at the end of September or early October.
Two MSU projects, three company seed treatment or foliar biological projects and a drone demonstration will be highlighted on a Thursday, September 5 Farmer Field Day at the Monroe County Community College’s Student Ag Farm.? This educational event will run from 10am to 3pm, with a ribeye steak lunch and pesticide and CCA credits available.? Contact the Monroe Conservation District office at 734-241-8540, ext 5 to register by August 31.
Fall lawn care program maintenance projects can include; soil testing, re-seeding bare or high traffic areas, fertilizing, and simply mulching leaves right into the lawn.?