News

Midwest heat pushing weed growth

Farmers are trying to get ahead of weeds as the weather gets warmer.

Wyffels Hybrids agronomist Jared Goplen says sprayers are catching up with planters in the Upper Midwest.

“But those weeds really have been emerging. Some of the giant ragweed I’ve looked at even up in western Minnesota already has four leaves on it in some cases, so those weeds have really been taking advantage of this warm weather.”

He tells Brownfield timing is critical.

“Controlling some of those early-emerging weeds, especially ragweed, some lambsquarters are starting to pop as well, but certainly closing in on that window where we need to get those weeds when they’re small. Especially ragweed.”

Goplen covers southwest Minnesota, eastern South Dakota, and northwest Iowa.