MSU Extension Drought Resources

Field Crops

• Feeding drought-stressed corn silage to the dairy herd

  Published on July 30, 2012
  Harvesting and feeding drought stressed corn silage can be a challenge, but for many producers it is necessary to feed their cattle.

• Nitrate accumulation in drought-stressed corn

  Published on July 27, 2012
  Recent rainfall events may further increase concerns of nitrate poisoning in drought-stressed corn.

• Dry conditions will likely impact herbicide carryover to rotational crops

  Published on July 27, 2012
  Dry conditions this growing season throughout most of Michigan have not only affected the current crop, but will likely impact rotational crops including wheat and cover crops planted this fall.

• Answers to common questions about irrigating soybeans

  Published on July 26, 2012
  Frequently asked questions and their answers that can help soybean producers make profitable irrigation decisions.

• Drought implications on fertilizer management

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Because of reduced grain yield, farmers may be able to credit for some of the carryover phosphorus and potassium for the next year’s crops.

• Yellow, stunted alfalfa may not be entirely due to drought

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Potato leafhopper numbers are above threshold levels in some alfalfa fields around Michigan.

• Crop insurance: Follow the rules to ensure the best outcome

  Published on July 25, 2012
  2012 may be the year of crop insurance so make sure you are following the rules. Farms covered by crop insurance should take notice of the rules before removing or destroying drought damaged crops.

• What is evapotranspiration and why it matters

  Published on July 25, 2012
  Under drought conditions, plants may not be able to extract water fast enough to keep up with evapotranspiration.

• Drought irrigation management

  Published on July 24, 2012
  Michigan and Indiana are in midst of the greatest agriculture water challenge seen for decades, making changes can allow you to get the most from the resources available.

• Warm-season grass as a livestock feed during the drought

  Published on July 24, 2012
  Many areas in Michigan are experiencing severe drought this summer including a very long stretch of hot and dry weather.

• Feeding wheat to stretch swine and beef rations

  Published on July 20, 2012
  Farmers faced with drought-stricken crops can stretch animal feed rations by feeding wheat in place of corn.

• Crops salvaged from insured fields will reduce crop insurance payments

  Published on July 20, 2012
  In some parts of Michigan, farms are undertaking salvage harvest of the corn stover that is currently in their fields this harvest will impact crop insurance coverage and potential payments.

• Managing alfalfa during drought

  Published on July 20, 2012
  Adjusting harvest management during drought may salvage some yield and aid alfalfa recovery.

• Harvesting drought-stressed soybeans for forage

  Published on July 19, 2012
  Feeding drought-stressed soybeans to livestock is an option, but make the decision carefully.

• Can improving your soil quality decrease your risk during a drought?

  Published on July 16, 2012
  I think the answer is yes!

• Seeding a cover crop after wheat harvest

  Published on July 16, 2012
  What are my choices for seeding a cover crop after wheat harvest?

• Managing red clover that was frost-seeded into wheat

  Published on July 16, 2012
  We don’t have a drought everywhere in Michigan!

• Assessing corn growth and development for yield potential during drought

  Published on July 13, 2012
  Southwest Michigan shares corn belt drought conditions while farms search for yield estimates

• Sprayer considerations for improving spider mite control in soybeans

  Published on July 12, 2012
  Equipping and operating your sprayer correctly is critical to controlling spider mites in soybeans.

• Potassium fertility impacts hay and pasture performance during drought

  Published on July 11, 2012
  Adequate levels of soil potassium enables crops to better withstand stress.