Weather forecast for agriculture, by the National Weather Service’ Climate Predication Center, is calling for a highly likely probability for above normal temperatures in their eight- to 14-day outlook for July 2-8, updated June 24, and is leaning to above normal chances for precipitation. Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions has one 14-day forecast of June 24 to July 8 that is calling for slightly above normal precipitation. He has one 30-day computer model predicting below normal temperatures for July and another computer model calling for above normal temperatures.

Beth Hall of Purdue says we have had a “heat dome,” which allowed warmer than normal temperatures recently. One benefit is the faster than normal accumulation of growing degree day (heat units) allowing crops to grow faster and “catch up” a bit, from a late start due to the wet April and May.

The MSU Enviroweather station located at Applewood Orchards south of Deerfield has recorded 1117.7 grow degree day (heat units [base 50ºF]) since April 1, compared to 847 GDD last year and a five-year average of 948 GDD. The same site has recorded 10.59 inches of rain since April 1, compared to a dry early season and only 5.13 inches last year and a five-year average of 7.61 inches of rain. However, this particular site has been very dry since June 8, with less than one-inch of rain and hotter than normal temperatures.

Canadian wildfire smoke was more noticeable last year and may become more common in the future, according to Mark Jeschke, agronomy manager for Pioneer’s plot research. Smoke has not affected corn yields or harmed plants so far in their long-running plots. An Ohio State study found a 6% to 7% reduction of photosynthesis in 2021 due to smoky conditions. Reduced total solar radiation may be negative for plant growth, but increased diffusion of solar radiation could increase efficiency of photosynthesis for corn.

Insects are out in full force, including western bean cutworm, corn rootworm, corn earworm, potato leafhoppers, Japanese beetles, armyworm, bean leaf beetles, spider mites, among others. Scouting fields is the only way to stay on top of infestations. However, when spraying for weeds, DO NOT simply “throw in” some insecticide into the spray tank, without first confirming an insect problem. Many insects have predators or diseases that can help control the problem without spraying. Western bean cutworm larvae are no longer susceptible to most of the Bt traits in corn hybrids, so scouting, followed by timely insecticide sprays may be the most reliable control option. For detailed insect management and control information, Google “Field Crop Insect Pest Management Guide,” written by Chris DiFonzo of MSU and Kelley Tilmon of OSU.

Weeds may harden-off to survive in hot, dry weather, so contact the company representative or dealer for advice about herbicide rates, timing, additives for effective results. It may not be possible to get 100 percent control in adverse weather conditions.

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Help lawns beat the heat by raising the mower height to stress grass less, with less recovery needed. Mowing too short means the grass has to recover before it can regrow, allowing weeds a chance to get started. Taller grass allows the growth of longer roots, which can reach down for more moisture deeper in the soil profile. Mowing high helps grass to crowd out weeds, even at the highest mower setting, during hot weather. Watering the lawn seems to be an obvious part of summer lawn care, but how it is watered makes a difference. Remember that our cool season grasses normally go dormant in hot summer months, so lawns normally recover once cooler weather returns later in August. If you start watering, then do so infrequently and deeply, applying one-half to one inch per watering. A good rule of thumb is one inch per week.

— Ned Birkey is an MSU Extension educator emeritus and a regular contributor to The Monroe News.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Ned Birkey discusses agriculture, insects, lawns, weeds