Crop Production Tips

Crop and weather conditions are aligning for a potentially strong year, making this a season worth investing in. The majority of corn and soybean fields are showing excellent growth and yield potential. However, the consistently high relative humidity over the past few weeks has created ideal conditions, not only for crop development, but also for disease pressure, particularly tar spot. When tar spot reaches 50% severity on the ear leaf during grain fill, yield losses of 20-60 bu/ac have been reported. 

Farmers across southern Wisconsin are being urged to scout their fields following increased reports of true armyworm activity. Significant infestations have been confirmed in Grant, Iowa, Crawford, Dand Columbia, Jefferson, Dunn, and Taylor counties. Some fields—particulary those with grassy borders or weedy patches—are showing heavy feeding damage. 

I hope everyone had the chance to enjoy the Independence Day holiday with family and friends. Thanks to all of you who called in your orders early and helped minimize the added pressure that the short work week brings. I’d also like to thank all of you who returned your propane contracts by the due date. With a short window of when contracts are mailed to when they are due back, we really appreciate your patience and support. If reading this reminded you that your contract is still sitting on the kitchen table, just pick up the phone and call the energy office nearest to you. Our friendly staff will be glad to take care of you. On behalf of our energy team and everyone at your cooperative, thank you for choosing us to serve your propane needs again this year.