Weekly Ag Update

 By ned birkey

msu EXTENSION EDUCATOR EMERITUS

SPARTAN AG

 The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s outlook through May 5 is calling for likely below normal temperatures and a near normal outlook for precipitation. The MSU Enviroweather station at Deerfield recorded the low soil temperature at the 2-inch level for April 22 was 47.3ºF, was 43.8ºF on April 21, 48.3ºF on April 20, and 54.7ºF on April 18. Toledo reported that more rain has come in March and April 2026 than the previous seven-month period of August 2025 through February 2026. March and April had 10.33 inches compared to 4.34 inches normally, whereas August through February had 8.65 inches compared to 18.41 inches normally. We are no longer in drought status, according to The Drought Monitor.

Soft red and white winter wheat was at the critical Feekes growth stage 6, at the first node when elongation begins. Now is the time to apply the second half of top dressing of nitrogen and when weed control becomes more precise. The recent freeze, prior to Feekes stage 6, had no effect as the growing point was protected below ground.

Alfalfa weevils are now active so farmers should get out their sweep nets to begin scouting. Leaf symptoms appear as tip feeding and small holes in leaves, leading to a skeletonized “frosted” appearance. Older stands may have higher populations because of overwintering adults. The MSU guidelines for spraying are if the cutting is more than two weeks away and more than 40 percent of stems have feeding. If closer to harvest, then the recommendation is to simply harvest. The MSU Guide lists 11 insecticides labeled for alfalfa weevil, but if the stand is mixed grass and alfalfa, then both crops must be listed on the label.

Ohio State monitoring for Black cutworm and true armyworm in corn fields had the highest counts in Lucas County (Toledo). Farmers in areas of high counts should plan to scout for larvae after corn is planted until the V6 growth stage. No-till fields with grassy areas or that had rye cover crops should be especially scouted for true armyworms.

When deer start damaging garden plants, it can feel frustrating. But by combining safe, sustainable sprays, fencing, and other deterrents, you can significantly reduce deer browsing damage while working with nature rather than against it. One trick may be to simply overseed a grass lawn with clover – which deer love – so they graze there instead of heading straight for the garden. A simple garden cleanup in autumn also helps. Removing fallen fruit, old vegetables, and plant debris eliminates easy food sources that may attract hungry deer. If deer frequently browse your plants, companion planting scented herbs like rosemary, oregano and lavender nearby may help. Planting deer-resistant species around garden beds or along the edges of your landscape can also help discourage browsing.

No plant is completely deer-proof, but some are far less attractive to browsing deer. Deer favorites include hostas, roses, arborvitae and many vegetable crops. Hostas are sometimes called “deer candy” because deer browse them so readily.  Deer tend to avoid plants with fuzzy leaves, prickly stems, strong fragrance or bitter taste. Daffodils, foxglove, St. John’s wort, catmint, butterfly weed, Lily of the valley, snapdragons, Lamb’s ear, Bee balm, marigolds or yucca are plants that may help reduce browsing pressure in gardens where deer are common.  Planting these around vulnerable crops or ornamentals can help make the garden less appealing to deer.