The National Weather Service predicts temperatures will likely be near normal while precipitation will likely be above normal from August 12 to August 18. The Michigan State University Enviroweather, on July 28, at the Blissfield/Deerfield location since either May 1 or July 1 has 2026 with more rainfall compared to either 2025 or the five-year average. 2026 rainfall since May 12 has been 10.38 inches, compared to 10.75 inches last year and a five-year average of 9.12 inches. Growing degree days with a base temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit starting on April 1 has been 1,939.6 growing degree days, slightly above last year and the five-year average. The U.S. Drought Monitor that was released July 28 shows scattered areas of abnormally dry soil conditions in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
Wheat performance trial results for Ohio State University have been released and Michigan State University plans to release their trial results within a week. The Ohio State location in Wood County in northwest Ohio was planted September 27, 2025, and harvested on July 8, 2026. At that location were 69 varieties from 15 companies, plus four public varieties. The high yield was 124.6 bushels per acre; the low was 93.4 bushels per acre with an average yield of 107.2 bushels per acre. Data is also included for two- and three-year results of the same varieties. Information is also included for plant height, seed size, heading date, grain quality for flour and softness, and a ranking for Fusarium head blight (scab) resistance.
Red crown rot of soybeans is a relatively new fungal disease of soybeans in the Midwest and was first diagnosed in southern Illinois in Pike County in 2017, though it was first identified in the southern U.S. in 1950. Foliar symptoms can resemble sudden death syndrome and brown stem rot, with chlorosis, interveinal necrosis of the leaves, and red discoloration at the crown and lower stem at the soil line of the plants in the field.
Mosquitoes are a bane to people wanting to spend time outdoors in the summer. Although I love to see swallows and bats feasting, they seemingly can never get them all. Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance as there are mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus. Gnats, biting flies, ants and other pests can also take the fun out of any outdoor activity. Luckily, strong scents by some common garden plants can somewhat help block the scent of receptors that the bugs use to find us. Plants that are labeled as "insect-repelling" are actually not, but they can help if used properly. Lavender, garlic, lemongrass, basil, rosemary and catnip can help due to the strong oil contained within their leaves or crushed and rubbed against the skin or other plant specific details. Plants may indeed help but will not produce the same results as properly using commercial insect repellents.
This article originally appeared on Farmers Advance: Using garden herbs to misdirect biting bugs