FOLEY, Minn. — This past week kicked off the winter workshop and conference season for me and many others in agriculture. To start my conference season, I attended one that focuses solely on weed science. This meeting brings together research scientists and technical agronomists from all over the Midwest for four days of presentations all covering different aspects of weed science. The main opportunity of this conference is to learn about all of the research currently going on in weed science with topics ranging from weed management with cover crops, to identification of which genes are conferring resistance to a specific herbicide in a certain species. I wanted to take this opportunity to share just a couple of my main takeaways.
The first key takeaway for me is the importance of integrated pest management. Each year there seems to be more and more cases of herbicide resistance to the different Modes of Action. This of course means fewer tools in our toolbox when it comes to managing troublesome weeds like waterhemp. While knowledge of herbicide resistance is increasing, the solution these results continue to find is the need to diversify weed management tactics. This need is being answered by an increasing amount of research on how cover crops and other agronomic practices influence weed management. To preserve our current chemical weed management options; a combination of mechanical, biological, and cultural controls need to be included in weed management programs.
My second takeaway is the need to continue learning. Conferences and workshops always provide an opportunity to learn new information that could potentially be adapted into fields to help improve management. This brings me to the Private Pesticide Applicator workshops. These workshops are for farmers that need their certification renewed this coming year and also provides an excellent learning opportunity.
There will be a total of five renewal workshops held in the Stearns, Benton, and Morrison county area which include:
* Paynesville – Tuesday, January 22, 9am to 12:30pm at the Paynesville American Legion. Call either the Paynesville Cooperative at 320-243-3494 or the Benton County Extension Office at (320) 968-5077 to RSVP for lunch.
* Little Falls – Monday, February 4, 10:30am to 2:30pm at the Initiative Foundation Building. Either bring $5 for pizza or pack a lunch.
* Cold Spring – Friday, February 8, 12:30pm to 4pm at the Riverside Inn.
* Holdingford – Friday, February 15, 10:30am to 2:30pm at the City Hall. Either bring $5 for pizza or pack a lunch.
* Foley – Wednesday, February 27, 12:30pm to 4pm at Henry’s Catering.
For any questions please call the Benton County Extension Office at (320) 968-5077.
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University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
— Nathan Drewitz, University of Minnesota Extension
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