Variable weather conditions across the Midwest this spring and early summer made for a mixed bag during the 2024 season. Some farmers beat the moisture and got seed into the ground early. Others were pushed out of the field and planted into wetter-than-normal soil conditions. It’s a reminder that no two fields are alike. However, the collective experiences from this season can help farmers throughout the Corn Belt make more-informed decisions through harvest and into 2025.

Ryan Bell, retail sales agronomist for Brevant^® seeds in South Dakota, said parts of his area received opportune weather and that allowed farmers to get in the field early. However, increased moisture during the early stages of crop development increased the risk for fungal diseases, pests and weed pressure across the board.

“As crops progressed, we were keeping an eye out for diseases associated with increased moisture, such as gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight,” Bell said. “Scouting for symptoms required a lot of boots-on-the-ground work with retailers and their customers to identify high-risk fields and monitor plant health through satellite imagery, drones and heat maps.”

Similarly, Brianna Gehrig, retail sales agronomist for Brevant seeds in Illinois, said some farms in her area experienced favorable conditions that allowed for successful pre-planting field work and early planting. For those who waited to plant, heavy April rains caused delays and forced many farmers to replant.

“The wet conditions this spring hindered some crops’ ability to get off to a strong start,” Gehrig said. “Additionally, the risks of pest and disease pressure were made stronger throughout the growing season. As we go into harvest, it’s important for farmers, no matter how their season has been, to assess any damage and consider solutions going into the next season.”

Although farmers can use treatments like fungicides in the summer to minimize damage, built-in seed traits can help crops overcome seasonal challenges from the moment it goes into the soil. Gehrig said farmers should consider products with multiple modes of action to help manage production hurdles.

“Using traits like Vorceed Enlist corn or PowerCore Enlist corn can help farmers maximize their return on investment and protect their acres from threats,” Gehrig said. “Multiple modes of action allow for enhanced protection against pests, while the Enlist trait gives farmers ultimate weed control flexibility. It’s a win-win.”

Going into 2025, Bell said, it is crucial for farmers to look at their current program and decide if that same strategy will suppress weeds next season. By working with their retailer, farmers can establish a herbicide program that meets the needs of their operation.

“What farmers have experienced this year as far as weather conditions and weed pressure goes may not be what 2025 has in store,” Bell said. “Despite not knowing what the next season will bring, farmers can start making plans with their retailer now to make sure they are as prepared as possible for when those hard-to-manage weeds present themselves.”

The variability of planting and growing season difficulties has made 2024 a uniquely challenging year. Kick off planning for 2025 by visiting Brevant.com/retail and contacting your retailer today.

_{Following burndown, Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides with Colex-D® technology are the only herbicides containing 2,4-D that are authorized for preemergence and postemergence use with Enlist® crops. Consult Enlist® herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are not registered for use or sale in all states and counties; are not registered in AK, CA, CT, HI, ID, MA, ME, MT, NH, NV, OR, RI, UT, VT, WA and WY; and have additional subcounty restrictions in AL, GA, TN and TX, while existing county restrictions still remain in FL. All users must check “Bulletins Live! Two” no earlier than six months before using Enlist One or Enlist Duo. To obtain “Bulletins,” consult} epa.gov/espp/_{, call 1-844-447-3813, or email} [email protected]_{. You must use the “Bulletin” valid for the month and state and county in which Enlist One or Enlist Duo are being applied. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency if you have questions about the registration status of Enlist® herbicides in your area. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. IT IS A VIOLATION OF FEDERAL AND STATE LAW TO USE ANY PESTICIDE PRODUCT OTHER THAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS LABELING. ONLY USE FORMULATIONS THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY LABELED FOR SUCH USE IN THE STATE OF APPLICATION. USE OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, 2,4-D-CONTAINING PRODUCTS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE WITH ENLIST CROPS, MAY RESULT IN OFF-TARGET DAMAGE TO SENSITIVE CROPS/AREAS AND/OR SUSCEPTIBLE PLANTS, IN ADDITION TO CIVIL AND/OR CRIMINAL PENALTIES. Additional product-specific stewardship requirements for Enlist crops, including the Enlist Product Use Guide, can be found at} www.traitstewardship.com_. 

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