Weekly Ag Update

By ned birkey

msu EXTENSION EDUCATOR EMERITUS

SPARTAN AG 

 The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s outlook to Sept. 9 calls for likely above normal temperatures but near normal outlook for precipitation.  The U.S. Drought Monitor, updated Aug. 27, shows no drought throughout most of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and southern Michigan. The MSU Enviroweather station at Applewood Orchards, Britton, Mich., has recorded 3,402.6 growing degree day (heat units, base 50ºF) since April 1, compared to 2,399 for last year and a five-year average of 2,356.7 GDD. Rainfall since July 1 has been 8.82 inches, compared to 4.53 inches last year and a five-year average of 6.02 inches of precipitation. Precipitation since Jan. 1 has been 24.04 inches, compared to 19.32 inches in 2025 and a five-year average of 20.57 inches, although rainfall this summer has been highly variable. August in parts of Ohio and Indiana have had 258 percent of normal rainfall, and our general area of the eastern Midwest has ranked 58th of the past 134 years for temperature.

Seeding new alfalfa stands has should be done soon, after a soil test has been taken. With a range of highly productive alfalfa varieties, seeding can be done in lower pH or somewhat wet fields. Seeding can also be done into existing stands, although autotoxicity issues will likely prevent a good stand, except for large drowned out areas.

Dectes, a new soybean insect pest to our region, has been found in mid-Michigan and confirmed by MSU Field Crop Entomologist Chris DeFonzo. The Dectes stem borer has been a pest in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, and up to Missouri and Kentucky, but infestations have not been previously seen in Michigan, Ohio or Indiana. The adult emerges in mid-summer and favors sunflowers, but also infests soybeans, plus ragweed and cocklebur. At the end of the season, the larva moves to the base of the plant and makes an overwintering chamber.

Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) are still the number one “hidden” yield reducing pest of soybeans in the U.S. If there are yellow and perhaps stunted soybean plants that could be a sign of SCN. Visual symptoms are likely in light-colored, sandy soils and tend to be in the direction that the field is tilled. However, there may not be any visual symptoms in highly productive fields until you think the combine yield monitor isn’t working properly. Then think below the soil surface and take root samples after harvest to confirm this pest and its severity.

Crickets are another sign of fall as they look for places to overwinter, such as in firewood stacked near the home, under stones, in leaf litter and other sheltered places. They inhabit grassy areas, bushes, forests and are best known for the load, persistent chirping song of males trying to attract females. Inside the home, they not only chirp but can chew through clothes, carpet and even important papers. Crickets sneak into homes looking for three things, warmth, moisture and food.  Keeping crickets out of the home can include vacuuming and cleaning thoroughly, sealing entry points, removing crumbs, food and water sources, try citrus-based natural repellents and cleaning up the yard and landscape of leaf and other litter.