Palmer amaranth has now been confirmed in more than 30 counties in Iowa, in both conventional farm operations and in native seed mixes used for conservation purposes. Farmers, crop consultants and those interested are encouraged to attend a Palmer amaranth identification workshop, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomists Rebecca Vittetoe and Aaron Saeugling. The one-hour workshop will occur on Oct. 3 at the ISU McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm near Chariton in southern Iowa. The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m.

INVADING IOWA: A one-hour workshop at ISU McNay Research farm at Chariton in southern Iowa will cover Palmer amaranth, a new invasive weed now been found in over 30 fields in Iowa. Workshop is Oct. 3 at Chariton.

“With Palmer amaranth discoveries quickly increasing across the state, proper identification is key to controlling infestations and preventing movement to crop fields,” says Vittetoe.

Farmers need to watch-high risk areas for Palmer infestation

This workshop will discuss new discoveries of Palmer amaranth across the state, key traits to differentiate the common amaranth species in Iowa from Palmer amaranth, and management in both crop and non-crop areas. Handouts of informational material about Palmer amaranth identification will be provided.

“Farmers and scouts should be observing high-risk areas for Palmer amaranth, including areas with significant equipment movement, suspicious-looking waterhemp infestations, newly-seeded conservation plantings, and areas near animal agriculture operations,” says Vittetoe.  

This meeting on Oct. 3 is free and open to the public

The  McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm is located at 45249 170th Ave. in Chariton, Iowa. Go south 4 miles on Highway 65 from the intersection of Highways 65 and 34, then 2.5 miles east on a gravel road and turn north 0.25 miles. The farm is located on the east side of the road.  

For more information, contact Aaron Saeugling at 712-769-2650, [email protected] or Rebecca Vittetoe at 319-653-4811, [email protected].