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To Control Weeds In Wheat And Barley

On October 14, 2019

To Control Weeds In Wheat And Barley

Dense populations of winter annual weeds can compete with wheat and barley in late fall and early spring and slow the rate of crop development potentially reducing yield. If winter annual weeds like common chickweed, henbit, marestail, winter annual grasses, and others emerge with the small grain and are left unchecked, the potential impact on yield could be great.

In these situations, Extension Agronomist Dwight Lingenfelter suggests it may make sense to kill these weeds in the fall rather than early spring. Harmony Extra is the most broad spectrum herbicide for broadleaf control, but resistant populations of common chickweed are becoming evident in parts of the state. In addition, there are several herbicides labeled for grass control in wheat and fall is typically the best time to make an application. Make sure to include the necessary spray adjuvants. Remember that cool (less than 50 F) cloudy days can reduce herbicide activity. Also, if you plan to frost-seed or drill a companion crop such as red clover in early spring it may be best to make a fall herbicide application to avoid certain issues with herbicide residuals affecting their establishment. However, even if products such as PowerFlex HL, Osprey, Dimetric, and others are applied in the fall, their re-crop restrictions still prevent seeding of certain crops next spring.

Burndown herbicides for no-till small grains include dicamba, Gramoxone, glyphosate, Harmony Extra, and Sharpen. Refer to the specific product label for more application information. The legitimate use of 2,4-D for burndown in wheat and other small grains is uncertain. None of the 2,4-D ester or amine labels specify application just prior to small grain seeding or emergence. Some research suggests a minimum delay of 7-10 days after application at rates up to 1 pint/A 2,4-D ester. Since 2,4-D burndown in small grains is ambiguous at best, if injury occurs liability rests with the consultant or applicator. Check a current herbicide label for the latest use information.

To Explore Your Small Farm Dream

Farmer’s market vendors, farm stands, and u-pick fruit and vegetable farms are all agricultural businesses that started somewhere. Are you thinking about starting a farm business, but not sure how to get started? If so then The “Exploring the Small Farm Dream” course is designed to help you decide whether starting a farm business is right for you.

The Exploring the Small Farm Dream course is designed to help you decide whether starting a farm business is right for you. This nine-hour (three evening sessions) course includes exploratory discussion, research tools, and self-assessment activities. By the end of the class you will decide on an action plan that works best for you and will have the tools and contacts to help you get started.

The course will be offered on three evenings, October 30, November 6 and November 13 at the Farm and Home Center at 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster PA 17601. This class would be beneficial to many folks including people seeking a career change into food or farming and hobbyists & lifestyle farmers considering developing an informal pastime into a business activity. Individuals newly retired or planning for retirement who are thinking about starting a farm business and immigrants with agricultural experience who wish to start farming in the U.S. would also find it valuable. Others who would benefit include recent high school or college graduates exploring a career in agriculture, people inheriting a farm or taking over a farm from a family member and people who worked as a field hand or an apprentice on a farm and are planning their own farm.

Class discussions and activities are based on the Exploring the Small Farm Dream workbook developed by the New England Small Farm Institute. Participants will learn how to access agricultural resources for new and beginning farmers. There will be opportunities to connect with a local farm business owner, agricultural professionals, and others interested in new farm enterprises. Participants will learn from qualified Penn State Extension Educators about business planning, risk management, and feasibility analysis.

The first session will review Self-Assessment and Researching the Farming Landscape. The next week will explore Assessing Resource and Risk. And the third session will cover Decision-Making and Next Steps. For more information or to register go to: https://extension.psu.edu/exploring-the-small-farm-dream

To Learn About Strawberry Production

The Strawberry Growers School is an all-day workshop for both current and prospective strawberry growers eager to learn more about producing a healthy and profitable crop. Experts from Pennsylvania and Maryland will educate attendees on all aspects of strawberry production.

This will be held on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Berks County Ag Center, 1238 County Welfare Rd., Leesport, PA 19533. The topics to be covered include Strawberry Production Systems for Mid-Atlantic Growers which Includes Matted row, plasticulture, day neutrals, stackers, and high tunnel. Pest and Disease Management including Calibration of Backpack Sprayers and Managing Strawberry Nutrition for High Yields. Other subjects to be covered include Weed Management in Strawberry Production Systems, Management of Key Pests in Strawberry Fields, Soil Health, Food Safety, and Marketing of Strawberries.

Pesticide credits will be offered pending approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Please see the agenda for more information. To register by phone and for more information call Extension Registration Support 1-877-345-0691. To register online go to:  https://www.cvent.com/events/strawberry-growers-school/event-summary-24cfc7cdd67b4febafab00fbeb67a7a7.aspx?i=d4e6f943-da4c-4ba8-aeb0-6ec0d61a51d1. The Registration Deadline is Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

Quote Of The Week: “A hen does not quit scratching because the worms are scarce. She scratches that much more to make her living.” Amish Proverb by Suzanne Woods Fisher