By Scout Nelson
Nebraska crop producers and agricultural professionals will have an opportunity to explore new weed management strategies and crop research during the annual Weed Management Field Day scheduled for June 24 at the South-Central Agricultural Laboratory near Clay Center. The event will provide practical information for growers looking to improve weed control programs and learn about emerging crop management technologies during the growing season.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with rolls and coffee provided for attendees. The educational program will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and will include field tours, demonstrations, and research updates focused on soybean, sorghum, and corn production systems. Organizers said the event is designed for crop producers, agronomists, industry representatives, and others interested in Nebraska crop production and weed management research.
The morning agenda from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. will focus on weed control in soybeans and sorghum. Participants will compare herbicide programs used in Roundup Ready 2 Xtend and Enlist soybean systems while learning about new herbicides and strategies for herbicide-resistant weeds. Demonstrations also will show how the Ecorobotix ARA precision sprayer compares with traditional broadcast herbicide applications for soybean weed control and possible chemical savings. Another presentation will explain how hairy vetch termination timing may support Palmer amaranth control in sorghum and popcorn production.
A short break with refreshments will take place from 10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The program will continue from 10:15 a.m. until noon with weed control discussions focused on corn production. Topics will include herbicide programs for Roundup Ready and LibertyLink corn systems, volunteer corn management options, and studies examining row spacing and residual herbicides for Palmer amaranth control.
“We have projects to demonstrate how best we can use emerging technologies such as precision sprayer of Ecorobotix ARA for target weed management and chemical savings,” said Amit Jhala, extension weed management specialist. “Attending this field day offers stakeholders a valuable opportunity to learn effective strategies for managing herbicide-resistant weeds and save chemicals.”
Lunch and UNL Dairy Store ice cream will be provided from noon to 1 p.m. Organizers also noted that participants can earn three Certified Crop Advisor continuing education units in integrated pest management.
The event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required through the University of Nebraska website at UNL Weed Management Field Day Registration.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoomtravels
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Sorghum