By Andi Anderson
Michigan State University Extension will conclude its 2025 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on Thursday, September 18, with a timely discussion on fall weed control.
The session offers farmers practical strategies for managing weeds ahead of the 2026 growing season, while also providing in-season weather insights.
This week’s featured expert, Christy Sprague, professor and MSU Extension weed specialist, will focus on the benefits, challenges, and considerations of making fall herbicide applications.
Early harvest this year provides growers an opportunity to address weeds that often create problems during spring burndown programs. Sprague will cover control methods for winter annual, biennial, and perennial weeds, as well as strategies for early-planted winter wheat.
Fall herbicide treatments have proven especially effective against winter annual grasses like windgrass, roughstalk bluegrass, and various broadleaf weeds.
Following the weed management session, Jeff Andresen, MSU Extension agricultural meteorologist, will deliver a 15-minute weather summary and outlook. A live Q&A session with specialists and educators will follow, allowing participants to ask questions and share experiences.
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series has provided weekly updates from March through September, addressing key field crop concerns via Zoom. Each session features expert presentations, weather forecasts, and open discussion time with MSU Extension staff.
Participation is free and open to all. Farmers and crop advisers can join online through Zoom or call in by phone. Those attending live sessions may be eligible for Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) credits and Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) continuing education units.
Interested participants can sign up once to receive weekly reminders and Zoom links. This convenient format ensures growers stay informed about the latest in-season updates, research, and field management practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle