Weekly Ag Update

By ned birkey

msu EXTENSION EDUCATOR EMERITUS

SPARTAN AG 

 The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center’s outlook to Nov. 3 is nearly the same as in recent weeks, calling for likely above normal temperatures and leaning above normal outlook for precipitation. The near term and winter forecasts haven’t changed, with a strong El Niño still in the cards.

Fall is soil testing time with dry soils, early harvest and time over the late fall and winter to make needed lime or fertilizer applications, depending upon the cropping plan for 2027. For a two-crop rotation, then a new test every four years is fine. If the plan is a three-crop rotation than a new sample every three years is good. If 2026 soybean yields were lower than normal, then think and look below ground and suspect Soybean cyst nematodes (SCN) as a likely reason. This is an easy soil test for SCN and can be done at the same time as a regular soil test, just with fewer samples needed.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), otherwise known as forever chemicals, are a large group of man-made chemicals that are used in thousands of common household and other consumer products such as, water and stain repellent products, non-stick pots and pans, personal care products, insect repellants, food packaging wrappers. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and MSU Extension are in a five-year, $3.5 million partnership to equip farmers with stronger PFAS tools and support. This includes educational materials, no-cost and confidential soil and water sampling, with possible mitigation strategies appropriate for each farm.

Mulching tree leaves back into the yard is a great for the soil, helps hold moisture in the soil and saves bagging yard waste. Brown tree leaves are also a great start to composting if there are too many leaves for mowing and then combine them with any late season mowing of green grass or garden plants. Mow leaves when they are dry at a higher mower setting. Raking excess shredded leaves can be piled up 3 to 4 inches around trees, shrubs or garden beds.