Vegetable Crop Update – Oct 21, 2026

On-Farm Nitrogen Research Opportunity

Matthew Ruark, Professor & Extension Specialist, UW–Madison, Dept. of Soil and Environmental Sciences, 608-263-2889, mdruark@wisc.edu, Lab Website:  ruarklab.soils.wisc.edu

Funding Available for On Farm Nitrogen Research. The Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program (NOPP) provides grants to farmers and their collaborators to conduct on-farm nitrogen research with the goal of optimizing nitrogen management, improving nitrogen use efficiency, and protecting water quality. In 2027, $1 million in funding is available to support new projects.

Explore your specific nitrogen questions and practical strategies to optimize nitrogen on your farm. Farmers, agronomists, county conservationists, and others interested in improving their N management are encouraged to apply.

Learn More & Apply.  Complete the Intent to Apply by December 18th, 2026, and Final Application by January 15th, 2027. Review the Request for Proposals, Application and supporting documents Here!

NOPP is funded by the state of Wisconsin, administered by DATCP, and supported by UW–Madison. Reach out to DATCPNOPP@wisconsin.gov with any questions.

Why apply for NOPP? NOPP supports practical, farmer-driven research that generates locally relevant data and helps improve nitrogen management decisions on farms across Wisconsin.

• Farmers and collaborators get practical information to support nitrogen management decision making on their farms
• Learn together from results through field days, meetings, and other events

Data collected through NOPP trials strengthen statewide nitrogen guidelines for nutrient management planning

Vegetable Disease Update

Amanda Gevens, Professor & Extension Vegetable Pathologist, UW–Madison, Dept. of Plant Pathology, 608-575-3029, gevens@wisc.edu.

Now that harvest is generally behind us, it’s a perfect time to review our previous article on ‘Management of water molds and bacterial diseases of potato tubers in the post-harvest space.‘