An agronomy systems specialist at Ohio State University says farmers should start planning their weed management strategies for the 2026 crop year.
Stephanie Karhoff says weed control starts in the fall.
“That herbicide burndown is really going to set us up for success,” she says. “It captures that window for a lot of our winter annual weeds and a lot of those perennial weeds. It just sets us up to have a clean field when it comes time for planting.”
She tells Brownfield widespread drought conditions across the Midwest could impact herbicide efficacy.
“Depending upon the moisture levels we’re experiencing this spring, that might really change what our weed pressure looks like,” she says. “That’s something to keep in mind as you’re scouting this spring and planning those spring herbicide applications.”
Karhoff says earlier applications help widen the planting window.
