Weekly Ag Update

By ned birkey

msu EXTENSION EDUCATOR EMERITUS

SPARTAN AG 

 The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s outlook to April 14 is calling for likely above normal temperatures and near normal to leaning above normal outlook for precipitation. The official 30-day forecast, from the Climate Prediction Center, for April, updated March 31, is calling for normal to leaning above normal outlook for temperature and leaning to likely above normal outlook for precipitation.

The MSU Enviroweather station at Deerfield recorded soil temperature at the 2-inch level for March 31 was 53.7ºF, was 44.1ºF on March 30, but 37.8ºF on March 29 and only 36.5ºF on March 28.

Farmers working safely is important now that April and spring weather are here.  At a March 13 class, Jennifer Clark Denson of MIOHSA listed the 10 most common hazards to farmers. Listed in order, these include tractor rollover, machinery entanglement, grain bin engulfment, confined spaces and an inability for self-rescue, chemical and pesticide exposure, respiratory hazards, heat stress, livestock handling, falls from heights and electrical hazards. There is always a tripping hazard with extension cords left out and now is a good time to check fire extinguishers and first aid kits BEFORE they are needed.

Earth Day is April 22, and this year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet, meaning imperfect, collective action creates real environmental progress. Most farmers realize the environment is an important part of agriculture, as what is good for one thing is good for the other. And most farmers tend to live where they work, right on the farm. Earth Day 2026 highlights how community action worldwide supports environmental protections. Monroe County will celebrate Earth Day on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Monroe County Community College. First recognized in 1970, Earth Day serves as a reminder of everyone’s responsibility to safeguard the environment, the land, water, soil and air. Some easy things that everyone can do includes reducing the use of single-use containers, particularly plastic, recycling many items through the Monroe County Health Department and re-use items.

“The Plant Doctor,” also known as “The Tree Doctor,” Dr. David Roberts, will be giving a presentation at the Monroe County Community College Whitman Center on April 9 from 6:45 to 8:15pm. Dr. Dave will share highlights of helping people and their trees in distress, including Oak Wilt, Dutch Elm Disease, Pine Decline, European Pear Rust, Beech Bark Disease, Arborvitae Decline and herbicide injury. The cost of participating, through MCCC Lifelong Learning, is $35, payable to MCCC. Roberts retired from Michigan State University after more than 40 years but continues his passion for trees and landscapes through The Plant Doctor, LLC.