Weekly Ag Update

msu EXTENSION EDUCATOR EMERITUS

SPARTAN AG 

 The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s outlook through June 23 called for near normal, to possibly slightly below normal temperatures and likely above normal precipitation. At the MSU Enviroweather station at Deerfield, growing degree day (GDD) (heat units, base 50ºF) since April 1 have been 692.5 GDD compared to a five-year average of 650.6 GDD. Since May 1, GDD has been 482.8 compared to a five-year average of 456.5 GDD. At this station, rainfall since April 1 has been 7.4 inches compared to a five-year average of 6.75 inches. Since May 1 at the same location, only 2.21 inches have been recorded, compared to a five-year average of 3.81 inches.

Wheat is in the grain filling stages. Grain yield is a product of the number of heads per acre, the number of seeds per head and the size of each seed. The more days of grain fill, particularly without disease, the higher the yield potential. At lower populations, wheat can have more grain heads, but typically the first heads to develop usually produce more grain than later forming heads. MSU’s wheat breeder Eric Olson reminds farmers to harvest wheat “early” when wheat gets into the 17 to 20 percent moisture range. It is more profitable to cut wheat early, dry it down rather than waiting, than having it rain, when wheat can lose up to one pound of test weight per day and have increased falling number issues.

Corn growing degree days (GDD) is a better gauge for growing corn than is days to maturity. Later planted corn can “catch up,” although temperatures above 86ºF will be a negative. My “informal gauge” is to have corn knee high by June 4, which did not happen this year. Because insects are temperature driven, scouting for insects such as Western Bean Cutworm and Corn Earworm will be important as we quickly move into July and go from the vegetative to reproductive growth stages.

Cover crops after wheat should be considered for soil and nutrient retention and putting some nitrogen into the soil. Crown or hairy vetch, oilseed radish and crimson clover are some of the crops that can help build up the soil and help with any “plow pan” layers or structure problems from heavy equipment or improper equipment ballasting.

Summer is tick season, but they shouldn’t threaten your health or enjoyment of the outdoors. Keeping ticks out of your home and yard can be a challenge but there are ways to prevent them from making your grass their hunting territory. A few tips include: cutting grass short and mow frequently, clear away tall brush, add a mulch between lawns and wooded areas, keep leaves raked and remove trash or used items from the year. Wearing long pants and long sleeve shirt can help prevent tick bites. Remember to check skin and pets when coming inside. Ticks can be dangerous if they bite you and aren’t promptly removed.