A farmer’s perspective on agronomy in Wisconsin
Hey everybody: Matthew Oehmichen here.
That sentence may sound like a catch phrase from me when you are watching me on The Hornet’s Nest doing play-by-play at the Friday night football game, showcasing conservation from the farmerled watershed group the Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation, or talking about the latest innovations in agriculture through my ag-retail business, or at the state capital fighting for Colby to be the state cheese. Now you get to see me in the Tribune-Phonograph as a contributing beat-writer for agriculture in our area.
Being that we live in an area that boasts the highest count of dairy cows, dairy farms, grazers, and corn silage production in the state, not to mention that between Clark and Marathon county, approximately 70 percent of land use is agriculture, it makes you wonder, why isn’t there a section about farming in the paper? Like a newspaper, agriculture isn’t an important enterprise just for farmers. It’s important for the whole economy of rural communities, just like ours that we live in.
This planting season has certainly been a challenging one, but in all honesty, Wisconsin (with the exception of last year) rarely presents ideal springs. Cooler temps with heavy overcast (cloudy skies) limited the amount of energy plants could get.
Phosphorus was tied-up, seedling vigor was reduced and planting conditions were less than ideal for most with excessive moisture in the ground.
With that being said, Wisconsin farmers can showcase master resilience and perseverance. As of May 16, only 34 percent of corn and 26 percent of soybeans were in the ground, which was 10-12 days behind where we were in 2021. But in just two weeks, thanks to sunny weather and the warm-up of temperatures, 80 percent of corn and 73 percent soybeans were planted.
Currently, Wisconsin sits with over 90 percent of the major crops planted (corn, soybeans, oats, wheat). We’re a little late, but still made it to the party.
Next up will be something I will call “Executive Points.” If you are like me, you want to hear the highlight details and in quick fashion. So here we go:
_ Pre-Emergence spray was excellent, thanks to the cool, wetter conditions this spring. Weed control has been well above average.
_ Waterhemp (the second scariest weed in our area because of its vigor and glyphosate resistance) is beginning to emerge. With the acceleration of the heat it has been growing very fast. Currently if you would scout your soybean fields you would find 1-2 inch tall waterhemp. In the southern half of Wisconsin it is 10-12 inches tall. Walk your soybean fields. The waterhemp is the easiest to control when under four inches.
_ Wheat is in full bloom (Yes! They have tiny flowers in a variety of colors like pink and purple) and in the process of pollinating. If you are wondering about applying a fungicide to preserve maximum yield, now is the time. The wheat in Clark and Marathon has been in excellent condition and is poised to be a banger-crop.
_ Soybeans have been showing slow progress. When corn planting conditions were not favorable, soybeans were then planted instead which put the seedlings into very cool and wet soil conditions. Once the heat and wind crusted the top of the soil it hindered its ability to sprout out of the ground. Think of a tiny person trying to carry heavy luggage through a crowded airport. Yeah; not fun. Once more sunny days hit, the soybeans should be able to ‘catch-their-breath’ and start taking off.
_ Side-dressing (apply nitrogen to corn while it is out of the ground) is under way. Corn has made a heck of compact and is progressing.
_ Interseeding (applying companion crops into standing corn) is in full swing, and looks to be continuing into next week. Best time is when corn is the height of a beer can. Once it gets to V5 it will shade out the interseeding.
_ Black berries are blooming so summer will be full of berry-good treats.
_ Bluegill spawn is in full-swing. Look for shallows with weedy vegetation and rocky/stand shores.
_ Whitetail deer fawns are all over, and farmers should watch their hay ground, especially on the outside rows near woods. Does prefer to keep their babies in tall grass.
_ Milkweed is getting taller and taller. Watch for Monarchs.
Farming seems like a simple thing, but there is quite a bit to think about.
My goal with this section is to benefit the reader with a quick synopsis’ of what is going on out in different farming systems, bring more understanding to our rural populace about agronomic practices, and discuss innovative approaches.
Whether you are a grizzled-farmer, the weekend warrior food-plotter, or someone living in the town or city, this will be your stop to ‘chew-the-fat’ on the happenings out in the country side. I’m excited to be sharing my ventures in the farm fields and rural country side and bring it to you in print.
THE SOIL
SOUND-OFF
