July 10, 2014

Unless they're hiding in some far corner of the field, we haven't run across weeds in the Crop Watch '14 field so far. The herbicides applied to control weeds in the Crop Watch '14 field appear to be holding their own. Residual herbicides sometimes run out of gas about this time in the season, especially with the rain that has fallen on the field.
We'll let you know if weeds, including grass escapes, show up later. So far, so good on weed control.
Crop Watch 7/7: Does The Corn Field Have Enough Plants?
That's not always the case. One year ago in the Crop Watch field in a different location, there were a few, yet noticeable weed escapes. The biggest problem was grass on one set of end rows. Since the end rows were very long and there were lots of them, it actually dinged the yield a bit. Soil compaction was one of the factors blamed for poor weed control in that case.
There are weeds in the open grass area surrounding this year's Crop Watch field, so there is likely wed pressure there. But Palmer amaranth has not appeared in this area yet. We've seen it almost as tall as the corn in northwest Indiana where it is threatening to get out of control.
Crop Watch 7/4: Corn Field Varies in How Fast Canopy Closes the Rows
Not so in this field. In fact, no Palmer amaranth has been reported in the county where this field is located. Weed scientists urge anyone who finds a plant they suspect to be Palmer amaranth to send it in for certain identification. Because even one plant can produce lots of seeds, populations can build quickly. Once it is in an area, recommendations for certain residual herbicides can hold it in check. If you're still into post programs instead, you may want to alter your program if and when Palmer amaranth is confirmed to be in the area. It's a tough customer to deal with, weed scientists say.
About the Author(s)
Editor, Indiana Prairie Farm
Tom Bechman is an important cog in the Farm Progress machinery. In addition to serving as editor of Indiana Prairie Farmer, Tom is nationally known for his coverage of Midwest agronomy, conservation, no-till farming, farm management, farm safety, high-tech farming and personal property tax relief. His byline appears monthly in many of the 18 state and regional farm magazines published by Farm Progress.
"I consider it my responsibility and opportunity as a farm magazine editor to supply useful information that will help today's farm families survive and thrive," the veteran editor says.
Tom graduated from Whiteland (Ind.) High School, earned his B.S. in animal science and agricultural education from Purdue University in 1975 and an M.S. in dairy nutrition two years later. He first joined the magazine as a field editor in 1981 after four years as a vocational agriculture teacher.
Tom enjoys interacting with farm families, university specialists and industry leaders, gathering and sifting through loads of information available in agriculture today. "Whenever I find a new idea or a new thought that could either improve someone's life or their income, I consider it a personal challenge to discover how to present it in the most useful form, " he says.
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