Vol. 20, No. 2, April 7, 2005

In this Issue
Soybean rust: An aphid’s worst nightmare?
Management considerations for Asian soybean rust
Host plants of Asian soybean rust found in Michigan
Looking for effective nitrogen use: Consider PSNT
How much fertilizer to use
Potash management strategies
New herbicide labels and label changes in sugar beets
Herbicide-resistant horseweed in Michigan
MSU’s annual economical analysis of agriculture on the Internet
Regional reports
Weather news

Next issue: April 21

Christina DiFonzo, Entomology

With all the talk about soybean rust in the last few months, I’d like to switch from the glass being half empty to the glass being half full. Although rust may cost producers time and money over the next few seasons, it may also encourage people to take soybean pest management more seriously. Since the discovery of rust in the United States, producers have started to think seriously about scouting, spray timing, and application methods in soybean. So in an odd way, rust may make a positive impact on soybean aphid management. There are at least four important similarities between rust control and aphid management.

Scouting
The threat of rust has lead to an increased interest in scouting beans, as well as funding of sentinel plots sampled by MDA inspectors and university Extension agents. Recommendations for soybean aphid management already include a scouting plan and an action threshold for treatment – the trick is getting out to fields frequently enough to catch aphid populations as they increase towards the threshold. Scouting for rust and soybean aphid can be done at the same time, so the more times someone is in a field to scout for rust, the more opportunities there are to look for aphids.

Timing
Given that rust will have to move from the southern United States up to Michigan, and then find favorable environmental conditions (such as high humidity) to infect soybean, July and August will likely be the critical scouting and application window. This coincides nicely with the timing of aphid populations going over threshold in Michigan, which occurred between mid-July and mid-August in 2001 and 2003. The current action threshold for soybean aphid (250 aphids per plant) is recommended in beans in the late vegetative stage up to early R6, a similar spray window recommended for rust fungicides. Thus, the timing and plant stage at treatment may be similar for rust and aphids.

§      Increase gallons per acre and pressure (we use a minimum of 40 psi in research trials).
§      Use nozzles specifically designed for coverage, for example, a Twin Jet.
§      A ground rig will probably provide better coverage than aerial application in a heavy canopy.
§      Drive at a reasonable speed across the field (avoid fantasies about NASCAR).
§      To minimize crop damage and improve coverage, plant rowed beans or leave skip-rows in drilled beans.

Bottom line? Many of the techniques being recommended to maximize rust control will also improve aphid management in soybean.

Kurt Thelen
Crop & Soil Sciences

With the confirmation of Asian soybean rust (SBR) in the Southern United States last November, there has been much speculation, hand-wringing, and even fear mongering as to its potential affect on United States soybean production this year. The main source of this anxiety is that we simply do not know how the disease will behave here, both in terms of severity and incidence. Much of the speculation on how the disease will progress in the United States is based on the experience of the disease progression in Brazil, where SBR was first confirmed in 2001. However, the environmental conditions in Brazil are very different from those found in the United States soybean-growing areas and care should be taken in basing recommendations on Brazilian experiences. However, there are some generalizations we can make from the experience that other parts of the world, including Brazil, have had with SBR.

From a management perspective of SBR, the Brazilians often refer to three basic pillars:
1)      Correct fungicide application timing
2)      Product (fungicide) efficacy
3)      Application quality

Following are generalizations of these management “pillars” that may have applicability in Michigan.

If and when the disease progresses north towards Michigan, the frequency of scouting should increase to several times per week. SBR is aggressive once infection occurs and conditions are mild and moist. Be diligent in scouting for it, both in fields and on disease progression charts. The threshold for treating is zero for protective fungicides, and low (10% of leaves with lesions or less) for curative fungicides. Therefore, the decision to pull the protective fungicide application trigger is made when scouting (website disease progression charts and field-based) show the disease appearing in your countywide geographic area. The most likely time for SBR to arrive in Michigan will be between flowering and pod fill. On the flip side, you do not want to pull the fungicide application trigger too soon either. Fungicides have a limited active period on the leaf depending upon the weather, so you do not want to apply too early and miss the infection period entirely. Scouting and watching the national disease progression maps will be critical to ensure correct fungicide application timing.

Product efficacy
Until we have United States- and Michigan-based fungicide efficacy trials it will be somewhat speculative to make fungicide recommendations. The main products available will be from the strobulurin or triazole chemical families. Strobulurins are protective only, whereas triazoles are primarily considered curative. (Please see the March 1 Cat Alert issue and the above mentioned website portal for a more detailed summary on fungicides.) Again, due to the aggressive nature of SBR, it is likely that by the time you scout lesions in your field, it is too late for a protective fungicide alone and you will likely need curative and protective properties in a fungicide for maximum yield protection. This will likely lead to premix products or tank-mixes of strobulurins and triazoles, and indeed this type of application has become very common in Brazil. Michigan State University Extension is working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture in developing an easy to use SBR fungicide reference chart. The chart will be completed once the Section 18, special use permits are obtained for the 2005 growing season and will be made readily available to growers throughout the state.

Application quality
Penetration of the fungicide to the lower leaves of the soybean canopy is important since the disease appears first in the lower canopy. To achieve maximum canopy coverage and penetration, medium droplet size, relatively high carrier volumes (20 to 25 gpa) and high pressures (see nozzle manufacturers suggested pressure to achieve medium droplet size at the indicated carrier volume) are recommended. Be sure to check manufacturer specifications to ensure that your sprayer pump has the capacity to deliver the pressure and volume required for your nozzles and boom width. There is general agreement that optimum canopy coverage and penetration can be obtained with the double configuration of flat fan nozzles (twin jets). A detailed discussion on nozzle selection for fungicide application can be found in the March 1 Cat Alert issue, referenced above. Given the necessity to spray immediately once SBR is confirmed in your area, it is important to have your sprayer equipped and field-ready on a moment’s notice.

Stay tuned for more updates on SBR as the season progresses.

Host plants of Asian soybean rust found in Michigan

Steve Gower
Diagnostic Services

In addition to soybeans, there are a number of forage legumes, beans, weeds and ornamental plants in Michigan that could potentially serve as hosts of Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi). Worldwide, there are more than 30 species of legumes reported to be hosts of soybean rust in nature and more than 60 species when considering successful inoculation under greenhouse conditions. Many of these host plants are not found in Michigan. For this reason, a list was compiled of plants in Michigan that could be infected with soybean rust (Table 1).

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) is a weedy legume that infests roadsides, fencerows, abandoned fields and non-crop areas throughout the southeastern United States. It has been described as the “vine that ate the south” because of its aggressive, climbing and trailing habit. Kudzu is a susceptible host of Phakopsora pachyrhizi. Due to the prevalence and location of kudzu, it is believed that this weed will serve as a continual source of soybean rust inoculum for southern soybean growers. The good thing – kudzu is not believed to exist in Michigan.

There are occasions when only a plant genus is listed in Table 1. In these cases, there is not sufficient information on the potential host range of soybean rust in the United States. Keep in mind that other potential soybean rust hosts could be species in the same genera as those listed in Table 1.

It is our goal to make this host list as complete as possible. If you are aware of other “legumes” or “beans” grown in Michigan fields or greenhouses, please contact Steve Gower at 517-432-9693 or sgower@msu.edu

¹List compiled from various references, including:
§       Soybean Rust Action Plan, Michigan Department of Agriculture.
§       USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, November 26, 2004.
§       Known and suspected Indiana hosts of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, compiled by Greg Shaner and Ian Thompson, Purdue University.
§       USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.5 (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
§      Michigan Flora, Part II: Dicots.1985.University of Michigan Herbarium.

Darryl Warncke
Crop & Soil Sciences

Each crop year has its unique weather features. Knowing the weather would really help in preparing a nitrogen management plan. The greater the time between nitrogen application and the time of greatest nitrogen need by a crop the greater the risk of nitrogen loss from the rooting zone of the soil. At the V-6 stage of growth (about 25 days after emergence) a corn crop has only accumulated about 5 percent of the total amount it will use. At the V-8 stage corn is entering a rapid growth phase where nitrogen uptake increases rapidly. By the V-12 stage (approximately 45 days after emergence) the crop has accumulated about 30 percent of its nitrogen need.

During the first five-week period after planting corn, significant amounts of nitrogen may be mineralized (released) from the soil organic matter, incorporated crop residues or manure. Nitrogen released in the soil is nitrogen that does not need to be applied as fertilizer. The question is how much will be released. Collecting soil samples near the V-6 stage of growth and having the soil analyzed for the available N status gives a good indication of how much the soil is able to supply and how much additional N is needed. Field studies over the past several years have shown the PSNT (presidedress soil N test) to be a reliable indicator of additional N need and have provided the most economical use of N resources. Rather than apply all of the nitrogen prior to planting corn, consider using the PSNT.

The biggest reservation farmers have about using the PSNT or even relying on sidedress N application is whether or not they will be able to get into the field at the time appropriate for sidedressing N. For some farmers there is also a time management issue for other farming operations. Even if farmers chose not to use sidedress N application as the N management option, they need to be sure to take credit for other sources of N when deciding how much N to apply preplant. Manures and previous legume crops can provide significant amounts of N. Manures can supply around 10 lb N per ton or 30 lb N per 1000 gallons. Have manures analyzed to determine the exact N content because it varies with manure type and how it is handled. Following soybeans take a 30 lb N/A credit. Following alfalfa take a credit of 60 to 100 lb N/A. Following these approaches can improve the economics of the nitrogen management program.

Darryl Warncke
Crop & Soil Sciences

With higher fertilizer prices farmers are paying closer attention to the amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium they will be applying. A common question is, “Wat is the minimum amount of nutrients that I can get by with?”

Answering this question with current soil test results is much easier than without any information about the nutrient status of the soils in the various fields of a farm. Nutrient recommendations given on soil test reports are based on corn responses in field studies. For corn and soybeans field studies indicate that when soils have a P test value above 15 ppm (30 lb/A) the probability of improving crop yield by applying more phosphorus is low. For potassium the probability of yield benefit from applying potassium is low once the soil test value is above 125 ppm (250 lb/A). The reason for applying phosphorus and potassium when the soil test values are above these critical values is to help maintain the level of nutrients in the soil. A complete maintenance program exists when nutrient additions equal nutrient removals (see Table 1). When soil test levels are above the critical values we can draw on the nutrients stored in the soil without impacting crop yield. On an MSU soil test report the minimum amount of P and K that could be applied is the recommended amount minus the maintenance amount. In the short term, applying less than maintenance amounts will not impact crop yields, but it is important to track changes in soil test values. Without a soil test one has to guess as to the nutrient status of the soils in each field. In these situations using a maintenance fertilization program is the safest approach.

Nutrients applied in a band two inches to the side and two inches below the seed tend to be used more effectively than broadcast nutrients. Applying N, P and K in a starter fertilizer can enhance early growth, especially for early-planted corn, no-till planted corn and for corn planted into heavy residue. An effective 2 x 2 band fertilizer program for corn should supply 20 to 40 lbs each of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O.

For good economic long-term nutrient management, sample the soils in all fields on a regular basis and have then tested to determine the soil pH and nutrient status. Sampling one-third of the fields each year is a good approach, especially for large farm operations. Soil test information is not only very helpful in economic nutrient management, but is also essential for participating in many government programs. So, if you are not on a regular soil testing program, now is the time to start.

Mike Staton,
MSU Extension Educator
Berrien and Van Buren Counties

Potash prices have increased significantly and supplies may be limited. Growers will need to make careful decisions about how to allocate this expensive and essential crop input across their acreage. The recommended steps for making this decision are listed in this article.

1. Test your soils and set realistic yield goals.

2. Understand Michigan State University’s potassium recommendation scheme (Figure 1). In the build-up range, nutrient recommendations exceed crop removal rates until the critical level is attained. Once the soil test level has reached the critical level, the soil is capable of providing enough potassium to produce 95 to 97% of the soil’s maximum yield potential. In the maintenance range, nutrient recommendations are equal to crop removal rates. The difference between the critical level and the maintenance limit is either 25 or 30 ppm for most crops. In the drawdown range, nutrient recommendations are less than crop removal rates.

3. Know the critical soil test levels for K and how these are affected by cation exchange capacity (CEC) (Table 1).

4. Know K₂O crop removal rates (Table 2).

5. Be able to predict how your fertilizer allocations will affect crop yields and future soil test K levels. Remember that the critical soil test levels are high enough to attain 95 to 97 percent of the yield potential for the soil type. Potash fertilizer applications will not produce significantly higher yields at these soil test levels. To determine how soil test K levels will change, you should consider that crops must remove four lbs. per acre of K₂O in coarse-textured soils and 12 lbs. per acre of K₂O in fine-textured soils to reduce the soil test K level by 1 ppm. You must add these same amounts to increase soil test levels by 1 ppm.

How much will my soil test levels change if I decide not to add potash to a coarse-textured soil this year?

For 150 bushels of corn/acre

§         150 bu/acre x .27 lbs. K₂O/bu = 40.5 lbs. K₂O/acre removed by the crop
§         Remember it takes 4 lbs. of K₂O to change the soil test by 1 ppm in sandy soils.
§         40.5 ÷ 4 = 10 ppm change in soil test levels

For 50 bushels of soybeans/acre
§         50 bu/acre x 1.4 lbs. K₂O/bu = 70 lbs. K₂O/acre removed by the crop
§         70 ÷ 4 = 17.5 ppm change in soil test levels

Subtract these amounts from your existing soil test levels (ppm) to determine how your soil test levels will change. The change will be less in soils containing more clay.

6. Determine where your soil test K levels are in relation to the critical levels and estimate how your K soil test levels will be affected by your application decisions. Use this information to decide how to allocate potash fertilizer this season.

7. Consider applying potassium fertilizer in a band two inches below and two inches to the side of the seed when planting corn. This is especially beneficial in no-till corn and when soil test K levels are below the critical level.

Christy Sprague
Crop & Soil Sciences

Outlook registered for use in sugar beets
In December of 2004 Outlook (dimethenamid-P) herbicide was registered for use in sugar beets. Outlook is labeled for lay-by applications for residual control of annual grass and some broadleaf weeds once sugar beets have two fully expanded true leaves. These broadleaf weeds include: pigweed species and eastern black nightshade. Application rates range from 12 to 18 fl oz/A (course textured soils) and 18 to 21 fl oz/A (medium- or fine-textured soils). A typical use rate is 16 fl oz/A. Do not apply Outlook preemergence through the cotyledon stage or significant injury and possible stand reductions may occur. Applications of Outlook may be split between two application timings with a minimum of 14 days between applications, as long as the total maximum does not exceed 21 fl oz/A. In situations where Outlook is applied to sugar beets and a crop failure occurs due to adverse conditions it is not recommended to re-plant sugar beets. Other crops, such as corn, soybean or dry beans may be better follow crops.

How should I use Outlook in sugar beets?
At MSU, we have evaluated Outlook applications to sugar beets for several years. Through these evaluations under cool to wet conditions we have observed some stunting to sugar beets even when Outlook has been applied to sugar beets with two-fully expanded leaves. Typically, if applications are made later (4-leaf sugar beets or larger), Outlook injury to sugar beets has been minimal. When using Outlook for residual grass and broadleaf weed control we would recommend waiting until sugar beets are 4-leaf or larger. If a grower is using a micro-rate herbicide program this may be in the third micro-rate application. Outlook can also be applied in standard-split herbicide programs. Remember that Outlook will not control emerged weeds, and the clock starts ticking on weed control once the Outlook application is made. If this application is in one of the last POST spray applications the herbicide may persist longer to stop late emergence of grasses, pigweeds, and nightshade.

Changes to micro-rate herbicide label for Betamix and Progress
Bayer CropScience has increased the labeled use rates for micro-rate herbicide applications with Betamix and Progress. Typical micro-rate herbicide applications with Betamix have been 8 fl oz/A Betamix + 1 fl oz/A Stinger + 0.125 oz/A UpBeet + 1.5% v/v MSO until four-leaf sugar beets, once sugar beets reached four true leaves throughout the entire field the Betamix rate could be increased to 12 fl oz/A. The new rate structure allows for higher Betamix applications in the different micro-rate applications (Table 1). The Progress micro-rate herbicide label also reflects changes in application rates for micro-rates. Typically increases in the Betamix or Progress rates will not increase weed control if micro-rate herbicide applications are adequately timed. Considerations in crop tolerance should also be made if you are thinking about applying higher Betamix and Progress rates, particularly when sugar beets are small.

Table 1. New Betamix and Progress rates for micro-rate herbicide applications.

 *Caution needs to be taken on early 2-leaf sugar beets.

Dual Magnum Special Local Needs 24(c) registration renewed for 2005
This registration allows for the use of PPI and PRE applications of Dual Magnum in sugar beets. In order for a grower to be able to utilize Dual Magnum at these application timings the grower needs to obtain the 24(c) label. To receive this label the grower must sign an indemnification agreement that releases Syngenta and the Beet Sugar Development Foundation of all liability of injury or crop loss from PPI or PRE applications of Dual Magnum. What this really means is that if a grower wants to use this product PPI or PRE in sugar beets he or she will be using this product at their own risk and any crop injury or stand loss resulting from PPI and PRE applications of Dual Magnum stop at the grower. The indemnification agreement needs to be signed and notarized prior to receiving the 24(c) label. It is important to note that in order to legally apply Dual Magnum PPI or PRE this year the grower must have a copy of the 24(c) label.

How should Dual Magnum be used in sugar beets?
Even with the 24(c) registration, Michigan State University does not recommend the use of Dual Magnum PPI or PRE in sugar beets. MSU research over the years and grower experiences have shown that substantial stand loss can occur from PPI and PRE applications of Dual Magnum particularly if there is a rainy period when sugar beets are emerging. Remember that with PPI and PRE applications of Dual Magnum you are at your own risk and if injury or stand loss occurs there it is your responsibility and there is no recourse. MSU recommends the best way to use Dual Magnum for weed control in sugar beets is to apply it after sugar beet emergence; at a minimum when sugar beets have two true leaves. Lay-by applications of Dual Magnum provide residual grass and pigweed control. Remember that Dual Magnum does not control emerged weeds. So other herbicides will need to be used to control already emerged weeds.

Steve Gower
MSU Diagnostic Services

Horseweed (Conyza canadensis), also known as marestail, is an annual weed that has developed resistance to a number of popular herbicides over the past few years. What’s most threatening about herbicide-resistant horseweed is that each mature plant is capable of producing thousands of wind-disseminated seed. This seed, much smaller and lighter than dandelion seed, is able to blow considerable distances by wind. Therefore, a resistant horseweed population will likely spread to neighboring fields and even fields several miles away. Currently, glyphosate-resistant horseweed has been confirmed in at least eleven states in the Eastern U.S. with ALS resistance reported in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.

Glyphosate and ALS-inhibiting herbicides are very important to Michigan soybean producers. Confirming herbicide-resistant horseweed populations in Michigan will provide producers with the knowledge to implement the best possible management strategies. The goal of any resistance management program is to prevent or limit the spread of resistant weeds.

To address this problem, horseweed has been screened for glyphosate, ALS, and triazine resistance in MSU Diagnostic Services since 2002. This service is FREE to Michigan soybean producers. All sample costs are covered by check-off dollars through the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee.

This screening program will be offered for the 2005-growing season. If you have fields where horseweed is a problem and resistance is suspected, collect seedheads from mature plants in late summer to early fall. Horseweed seedheads can be dropped off at your local county MSU Extension Office or sent directly to:

MSU Diagnostic Services
101 Center for Integrated Plant Systems
East Lansing, MI 48824
Attn: Steven Gower

If you have any questions, please call Steven Gower at 517-432-9693 or send an email to sgower@msu.edu

MSU’s department of Agricultural Economics 2005 Annual Agricultural Outlook is available on economist Jim Hilker's web site at: http://www.msu.edu/user/hilker

The report includes:
§      The general economy – Les Manderscheid, Bob Myers
§      Trade outlook – David Schwekhardt, Sandra Batie
§      Farmland values continue to rise – Eric Wittenberg, Mary Schulz, Steve Hanson
§      Issues affecting fruit producers – Suzanne Thornsbury
§      2004 Annual crop outlook – Jim Hilker
§      2003 Annual livestock outlook – Jim Hilker
§      Dairy outlook – Christopher Wolf

Regional reports

1 – Southeast

Ned Birkey

Weather
Many farmers have expressed that this past winter has been very long, cold and the second snowiest winter on record for Monroe. Spring has finally arrived and we had a high air temperature of 80 yesterday and the high soil temperature reached 60 degrees. The minimum soil temperatures have been in the high 30s except for the past two days when it reached 42 and 46 degrees.

Commodity reports
Greenup has been very slow with no substantial growth yet on alfalfa. Several fields may have some thin areas where winter ponding occurred or where winter annual weeds have gained a foothold.

Oat planting began last week.

Planting began on potatoes on March 25.

Similar to alfalfa, wheat fields have been very slow to green up this spring. Many fields now appear to have survived the winter in good condition, though this was uncertain even 10 days ago.

Bruce MacKellar

Weather
Over the past week we've seen very little rain and a great opportunity for growers to get into the fields as they dry out. We're seeing a few people start tillage work on some of the lighter fields with chisel plowing and field cultivating just beginning. Growers are also broadcasting fertilizer where needed. If the weather and temperatures hold up, we could see an early planting season.

Commodity reports
The wheat has favored the winter weather quite well and is poised to make a good run at solid yields. Growers need to concentrate on applying their spring nitrogen as soon as weather and field conditions permit. Nitrogen rates for wheat grown on mineral soils can be calculated by the formula: yield Goal x 1.33 - 13.

Alfalfa fields are beginning to break dormancy and are starting to green up. Spring application of potassium fertilizer should be made before the plants are two inches tall to avoid salt burns and should be limited to no more than 300 pounds of K2O per acre.

Paul Gross

Weather
Warm weather and light winds dried out many fields and melted any remaining snow this past week. Many farmers are looking for a warm spring rain to settle the ground before they get serious about planting.

Commodity reports
There has been very little field activity at this time. There were one or two farmers planting oats and seeding alfalfa this week. This was done on sandy soils. We don’t expect to serious field activities until field conditions improve.

The wheat crop has come through winter very nice. We expected there might be some winter kill but have seen very little at this time. There were only a few farmers that were able to get nitrogen on their wheat early and will have to wait until fields dry out. There have been some concerns about the stands of wheat seeded with airplanes last fall.

Alfalfa fields are beginning to green up with little or no evidence of winter injury.

Mark Seamon

Weather
A few days of warm temperatures (50 to 70 degrees) with sunshine and wind have led to some fieldwork and some green-up of some plants. Surface soil is drying nicely. Some wet areas in sandy soil may be showing the last of the frost to leave the soil.

Commodity reports
Alfalfa plants are showing some new growth. Seeding of alfalfa is also active with good soil conditions. Some of this seeding is to fill in problem areas from last year’s seeding.

Early planting of sugar beets has occurred in selected areas of the Thumb and Saginaw Valley. Seedbed conditions are good. Many growers are within a few days of planting and are generally ready to go. Success in the past couple of years with early planting of beets has most growers comfortable with pushing the early April planting dates.

A vast majority of the wheat crop has overwintered nicely. Some winter injury has been noticed. Most nitrogen applications have been made in the past week due to limited opportunities on frost. The lack of frost applications may have also changed plans to frost seed clover for some growers.

Jeff Andresen
Agricultural Meteorology
Geography

During the last week of March, jet stream flow over the Upper Midwest shifted to a ridging pattern. This brought above normal temperatures and some early spring fieldwork opportunities in a few sections of the state. The recent warmer air temperatures led to a surge in early season GDD accumulations, and mean two-inch bare ground average soil temperatures have warmed to the mid-upper 40's in some southern sections of the state where the spring green-up of overwintering vegetation has begun in earnest. The most recent NOAA Palmer Drought Index continues to categorize all of the state except western Upper and northeastern Lower Michigan as, 'Unusually-' or 'Very-Moist'. Due to the recent lack of precipitation, however, the index has shown a declining trend across most areas, and top layers of the soil profile have dried considerably from previous levels.

In general, the upper air ridging pattern mentioned above is forecast to persist for the next seven days and likely longer, with a continuation of above normal temperatures and most dry conditions expected. Daytime temperatures will warm from highs in the 40s north to low 60s south on Thursday (April 7) to the upper 50s north to near 70 south by Saturday, while lows moderate from the mid 20s to the upper 30s Friday morning to the upper 30s to low 40s during the same time frame. Mostly sunny skies are expected from Friday through Monday. A weather disturbance moving out of the southern Great Plains will bring the next chance for any precipitation by late Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, most likely to southern sections of the state. Further ahead, a split-flow jet stream pattern across the United States is predicted with the Great Lakes region remaining mostly under the influence of a ridging pattern between stormtracks across southern Canada and across the southern United States. This pattern would lead to a continuation of milder than normal temperatures in Michigan if the forecast guidance verifies correctly, which should likely allow for some good early season fieldwork opportunities, likely including planting.

The latest NOAA Climate Prediction Center 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks (for April 12-16 and 14-20) both call for above normal temperatures and near normal precipitation totals statewide.