Extension specialist offers insight navigating the challenges of evolving weed management in ag practices

Recent reports from Bayer and Corteva indicate the emergence of suspected herbicide-resistant waterhemp populations in Iowa.

Bayer reported dicamba-resistant waterhemp, while Corteva identified a suspected 2, 4-D-resistant population. An Extension Field Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach emphasized the need for further studies to confirm that.

“Well, suspected population. So that’s always— it’s kind of an intensive process to go through to prove that a population is surviving 2,4-D at an unexpectedly high rate compared with like what a natural population out in the environment might do. And so they— I believe they’ve gone through one round of testing and they’ll do one more this spring. And so, if it survives like they think it has been. Right. If it’s proven to be resistant, then they should be able to do that yet this summer,” according to Meaghan Anderson.

She highlighted the significance of these findings, cautioning against over-reliance on herbicides like 2, 4-D. She stresses the importance of implementing comprehensive weed management programs to slow the evolution of resistance while effectively controlling waterhemp.

Related Stories
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
If confirmed, early Chinese buys tighten nearby Gulf/PNW capacity and could bump basis in export-oriented regions.
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.