Stay Ahead of Weeds

There was a lot of planting done in a short period of time before the rain put a halt to progress. Most fields have had pre-chemical applications applied and can now be rowed. Before long, the second pass of chemical applications will begin.

We had a lot of rain last week, and the residuals used on the first pass may not last as long as we would like them to. It is important to take the time to start scouting fields to see what kind of weed pressure is developing before making decisions on what chemicals to use. Higher rates of a second residual may be needed to help keep fields weed free until the crop can reach canopy.

Spraying a little too early is usually a better option than spraying a little too late. I have heard some growers say they like to wait until the crop is almost to canopy so they do not have to pay for a second residual. The money saved on that second residual is usually not worth the cost of dealing with larger weeds that are harder to kill and may survive the application. Once weeds get ahead of you, it becomes a lot harder and more expensive to clean fields back up.

Taking the time now to scout fields will help make better chemical decisions once it dries up enough to get back into the field. SFG has agronomists on staff who are happy to walk fields and make recommendations on what chemicals should be applied and when. Feel free to give your SFG agronomist a call and we can come take a look.