Some farmers are taking advantage of warmer temperatures right now, and while mild weather can help jump-start the season, it also gives weeds a head start.
“Southern Illinois University in Carbondale did some research showing that in a bare dirt situation, waterhemp will emerge faster than if there are winter annual weeds or a cover crop. So, the people that have their ground prepped to plant or do have it planted, they’ll see waterhemp come up in those fields first because the soil will warm up a little faster, more sunlight to warm it up faster, etc. So, if you are planting early and have a clean seedbed, the risk of earlier germination is certainly there,” said Matt Geiger, an agronomic service representative with Syngenta.
Geiger says it is important to go back to the basics when managing weeds in early spring and to get an herbicide on the crop pre-emergence.
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Fred Nichols with Huma explains what farmers considering biostimulants in their fertilizer strategy should focus on while keeping expectations realistic.
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Mississippi Farm Bureau President Mike McCormick says harvest is progressing quickly, but high diesel costs threaten producer profitability despite good yields.
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American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says farmers cannot afford further delays as producers face mounting challenges.
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Farmers face higher fuel costs on top of rising production and fertilizer expenses.
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