Weekly Ag Update

By ned birkey

msu EXTENSION EDUCATOR EMERITUS

SPARTAN AG 

 The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s outlook to Sept. 29 called for temperatures likely above normal but leaning below normal outlook for precipitation. The three-month outlook for October, November and December 2026 is called for seasonal temperature outlook leaning above normal and a precipitation outlook of near to below normal. With metrological fall on Sept. 22, people start wondering about cooler temperatures and frost. The 30-year average fall frost/freeze dates for Monroe County are Oct. 18 for the average first 32ºF frost and Nov. 5 for the 28ºF (average) first freeze date.

Wheat planting time will soon be here as the hot weather has soybeans “throwing up their hands” and drying down rapidly, leading to an early harvest. Wheat is still recommended to be planted within 10 days of the Hessian fly-free date, which is Sept. 18 for Washtenaw County, Sept. 21 for Monroe County and Sept. 25 for Lenawee County, Mich. The dry soil conditions should not be a major consideration to delay planting. If possible, wheat seed should be planted into soil moisture, but no deeper than 1.5-inch depth. Farmers who anticipate delayed germination due to dry soil conditions and more than two weeks after the Hessian fly-free date, may wish to increase the seeding rate to about 1.6 million seeds per acre.

Fourth cutting of alfalfa, if not already taken, should now wait until just before or just after a hard or killing frost (24ºF for alfalfa). If taken within 360 GDD (base 41ºF), roughly two weeks before a killing rots, it’s generally safe because the plant won’t regrow enough to deplete root reserves. One risk is a lack of suitable drying weather to harvest dry hay. The yield from a late cutting may be low, but the quality tends to be high, which might make the risk of cutting worthwhile.

Seeding or re-seeding lawns with turf-type tall fescue works well in areas with full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but dense shade may reduce growth and color. Soil is important, but tall fescue is not overly fussy. It tolerates a pH range of 4.7 to 8.5, but slightly fertile, loamy soils will promote the healthiest, most vigorous growth. Soil needs to drain well and avoid compacted or poorly drained spots, which can slow germination and increase disease risk. The best time is late summer to early fall. Seed into soil that is still warm from summer but cooling into the range that cool-season grasses prefer. Tall fescue is typically planted from seed rather than from sod or plugs. Before planting, it’s helpful to test your soil to determine nutrient levels and pH. Choosing a smooth, debris-free planting area promotes good seed contact, ensures your seeds germinate evenly and establishes a thick, durable lawn. Do not mow newly seeded lawns lest the mower tear out the young plants rather than cut off excess growth.