Are you seeing early season weeds? Here are some management tips

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.

Related Stories
Chad Rezniek with the Colorado AgrAbility Project joined us as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week to discuss the growing need for behavioral health support in rural communities.
Potash has seen the most significant decline, falling 11 percent over the same five-year period.
China’s buying decisions continue to be a critical factor in shaping cotton prices and export opportunities worldwide.
Lower inventories and cautious farrowing plans suggest tighter hog supplies into 2026, keeping producer margins sensitive to demand trends and health risks.
Secretary Rollins’ plan targets high costs, labor challenges, and export growth, delivering relief at home while building markets abroad.
Bird owners are urged to practice strong biosecurity as fall brings a rise in high path avian flu cases.