Weekly Ag Update By ned birkey msu EXTENSION EDUCATOR EMERITUS SPARTAN AG The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s outlook to April 21 is calling for likely above normal temperatures and a near normal outlook for precipitation. Dr. Eric Snodgrass, of Nutrien Ag Solutions, in his April 6 report, thinks we will be in a wet corridor until about April 20, including a cooler temperature bias, with a wet trend until about May 21. Some of his computer models are suggesting a bias to a wetter April, May and June, and perhaps even a stormy summer – July, August and September – due to El Niño. The MSU Enviroweather station at Deerfield recorded soil temperature at the 2-inch level for April 7 was 37.4ºF, was 40.9ºF on April 6, 43.7ºF on April 5, 48.7ºF on April 4. This location recorded 1.49 inches of rain since April 1. Alfalfa is greening up, but there are no concerns yet about overwintering alfalfa weevil, who are highly cold tolerant, so the cold winter is unlikely to affect populations. The larvae start feeding at 300 growing degree days (GDD) (base 48ºF) but as of April 8, the MSU Enviroweather station at Deerfield had only recorded 225.9 GDD. Purdue University is reporting alfalfa scouting for leaf feeding now in southern Indiana. The Iowa State pest tracker shows only 219 GDD through April 7 for northeast Iowa. Michigan State and Ohio State released an updated Pest Management Guide for Field Crops Insects in December 2025, which includes alfalfa pests. This guide can be accessed free at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/field_crops/insect-guides. Or just google MSU field crop insect guide and download a free PDF version. Nitrogen is in the news due to all the hubbub about higher prices. NH3, anhydrous ammonia, is the most efficient form of nitrogen to apply to corn. But it is also the most hazardous, especially when handling the hoses and valves. Water and wind are always the farmer’s friend, remembering to position the tractor or standing upwind when handling or using. If there is a release of a plume, being upwind may save your life. The word anhydrous means containing no water, so NH3 will seek out water, such as in the eyes or skin, so personal protective equipment is a must, including eye protection and having fresh water at hand. It is a colorless gas at room temperature but boils at -28ºF so lined rubber gloves are a must, versus the unlined gloves used in handling pesticides. Sedum is a low-maintenance plant that thrives on “neglect” that some gardeners may be looking for. These plants thrive in partial to full sun, are drought tolerant once established, and require little extra fertility. The are magnets for bees and butterflies. There are more than 400 species of sedums that are annuals, perennials and even small shrubs depending upon the climate. Most are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. They make excellent rock garden and container plants, many are natives so are more tolerant of shady conditions. Sedum has also been used as a “soilless living roof” on buildings, such as the 450,000-square-foot roof of the Ford Dearborn Truck Plant, with an environmental benefit, managing stormwater and reducing energy needs. |
