Finding the Latest in Weed Science Research

Nov 16, 2022

By Dwight Lingenfelter

Weedy soybean field.

Weedy soybean field.

Now that the weather is turning colder, it is time to reflect on some of the happenings in weed science research across the United States and around the world. Every so often we try to write about the latest finding on interesting weed management topics such as weed electrocution (e.g., The Weed Zapper™), harvest time seed destroyers, (e.g., Harrington Seed Destructor - HSD), weed seeds in combines, precision sprayers, robotic weeders, cover cropping, and others. We sometimes get asked about where to find up-to-date information about these various topics and often refer them to some common online resources. There are numerous sites to find information, but three very useful ones are:

GROW, which stands for Getting Rid Of Weeds – through Integrated Weed Management, is a useful site with many interesting updates and short videos on a variety of topics. GROW provides information on herbicide resistance, optimizing herbicide use, equipment settings and improvements, cover crops, increased crop competition, harvest weed seed control, and more.

WSSA (i.e., Weed Science Society of America) is a non-profit professional society, promotes research, education, and extension outreach activities related to weeds; provides science-based information to the public and policy makers; and fosters awareness of weeds and their impacts on managed and natural ecosystems. There is a plethora of information and many links to other resources on this website.

The Take Action website is a great resource to get information about pesticide resistance and what steps to consider when managing it. The site provides detailed information on herbicide, fungicide, and insecticide resistance issues. The site has mode of action charts, pest ID resources, downloadable apps, and other practical tools to use in the field.

If you have some downtime this winter, consider perusing some of these online resources. They can definitely provide some valuable insight and maybe some different perspectives on your quest to combat weeds.

Source : psu.edu

Video: Agriculture Secretary Rollins Speaks at American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim

One of the highlights at the 2026 American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, California, was an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. During her remarks, she thanked America’s farmers and ranchers and said the Trump Administration is fully aware that food security is national security.

She also acknowledged the challenging times in Farm Country with low commodity prices and high input costs and said that’s why the President stepped in to help with the recent Bridge Assistance Program.

Montana Farm Bureau Federation Executive Vice President Scott Kulbeck says that Farm Bureau members are appreciative of the help and looks forward to working with the American Farm Bureau Federation and its presence in Washington, DC to keep farmers and ranchers in business.

Secretary Rollins said the Trump Administration is also committed to helping ranchers build back America’s cattle herd while also providing more high-quality U.S. beef at the meat case for consumers.

And she also announced more assistance for specialty crop producers who only received a fraction of the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA).

It’s important to note that producers who qualify for Farmer Bridge Assistance can expect the Farm Service Agency to start issuing payments in late February. For more information, farmers and ranchers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center.