Research is underway to find out how much nitrogen credits can be gained from using cover crops. Chris Bandura with the University of Wisconsin Extension tells Brownfield the research being done now at ten farms to learn what nitrogen credits farmers can expect from different cover crop species as part of Wisconsin’s Nitrogen Optimization Pilot…… read more
Category Archives: Ag News
Manure injection better for soil health
A University of Wisconsin Extension researcher encourages farmers to preserve soil and nutrients by minimizing soil disturbance. Chris Bandura is the extension conservation cropping outreach specialist. He tells Brownfield tillage makes soil more vulnerable to erosion losses and the loss of nutrients including phosphorus, but what about manure injection? Bandura says, “There’s some logistical hiccups…… read more
Corn silage tool determines feed values, cost by chop height
A University of Wisconsin researcher has developed a tool to help growers decide what height to chop corn silage. Dr. Luis Ferraretto says improving fiber quality in corn silage is a tradeoff because you give up some yield by cutting higher for quality. “The lower part of the plant has more lignin, so consequently is…… read more
Wisconsin crops good, wheat and potato harvests underway
A western Wisconsin farmer says crops look good but would benefit from this week’s expected rain showers. Tony Mellenthin raises corn and soybeans south of Menomonie, and says corn looks good so far. “It’s starting to get dry on the lighter ground so the rains that are forecasted this week, if we get them, that…… read more
Wisconsin Soybean growers can see checkoff investments first-hand
The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board is using a national model to show state growers where their checkoff dollars are being spent. Farmer and Board President Jonathan Gibbs tells Brownfield he has participated in the See for Yourself Tour through the United Soybean Board’s national checkoff and wanted to do the same thing at the state…… read more
Bankers concerned about possible tariff impacts on customers
Wisconsin bankers report more positive economic signs, but they are concerned about possible new tariffs that can affect the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Rose Oswald Poels is the President and CEO of the Wisconsin Bankers Association says a survey of bankers shows President Trump’s planned August 1st tariffs could lead to a tougher second-half of…… read more
Alfalfa can help control problem resistant weeds
A common forage crop can help bring problem weeds under control. University of Wisconsin research biologist Mark Renz tells Brownfield herbicide-resistant weeds like waterhemp and ragweed have been controlled for years by dairy and organic farms by planting and harvesting alfalfa. “We’re harvesting it every 28 to 35 days. That’s not enough time for them…… read more
Legislation would expand access to mental health care
New federal legislation would make it easier for farmers to access mental health care services. The Farmers First Act introduced by Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Iowa Republican Joni Ernst would increase support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), a program the two senators successfully included in the 2018 Farm Bill. The…… read more
Wisconsin crops good, but getting dry hay a challenge
Frequent light rains have been beneficial to crops in most areas of Wisconsin. Jonathan Gibbs farms in the Fox Lake area and is also the current President of the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board. He says, “In my neighborhood, we’re looking pretty good.” The southernmost counties received the most rain, with some areas in Grant, Lafayette,…… read more
Wisconsin Supreme Court decision could impact farmers
A Wisconsin Senator says a recent State Supreme Court decision might create more legal challenges on the state’s farms. Howard Marklein says the high court ruled in favor of Governor Tony Evers and against him saying, “the power to pause, object to, or suspend administrative rules before and after promulgation are unconstitutional.” Marklein tells Brownfield…… read more