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Delays throw off weed control for Minnesota organic farmer

An organic row crop farmer in southwest Minnesota says planting delays are also problematic for weed control.

Carolyn Olson of Cottonwood tells Brownfield work has been limited by wet conditions.

“Usually we’ll field cultivate and wait about five days for new weed seeds to germinate, and then field cultivate once again right in front of the planter. And this year it’s a one and plant.”

She says they’ll try to make up for the missed opportunity to take care of another early weed flush.

“We’ll probably have to hit it a little bit harder on cultivation and flame-weeding in the corn, and then cultivating and hand-weeding in the soybeans.”

Olson anticipates more intense pressure throughout the season because of the late start to weed control.