Small Grain Pre-Harvest Options

Jul 25, 2019

By Gared Shaffer

Consider pre-harvest herbicide applications in crop ground planted with small grains that are grown for seed or forage. Dense weed populations may inhibit harvest, therefore proper control of them early in the growing season is best. Spring is the most-effective control period for annual weeds. Herbicides may be applied to desiccate and suppress weed escapes. When considering what herbicides to desiccate weeds with prior to harvest the greatest risk for yield reduction occurs 5 to 7 days before heading until 7 to 10 days after heading, including pollination and kernel development.

Basic Pre-Harvest Tips

Use effective early season weed control tactics and products.
Scout often, spraying within 10 days of bloom prevents weed seed production.
Increase spray volume to 15 gal/acre or more.
Spot treatment can be a useful tool
Hand rouging or clipping of perennial weeds may be effective.

For South Dakota small grain pre-harvest recommendations, view the publication, “Harvest Aid Weed Control in Small Grain.”

Source : sdstate.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.