There are not a lot of tractors rolling in the field yet, but there are aggressive plants trying to take advantage of the plentiful moisture.

This kochia was seen growing in flax stubble at the Carrington Research Extension Center.

Fortunately, we were able to put out a few herbicide treatments on October 29, 2013 as shown in the following photo.

For no-till producers, this year represents a good example of when fall applied herbicides would provide a level of protection until the field is ready for crop production. If the kochia gets much larger than what’s pictured, many herbicides and light tillage will not provide complete control of the kochia.

Even though our field season is just starting, or soon to start, weeds are well ahead of the game.  

Mike Ostlie
Agronomist