By Andi Anderson
As the 2025 growing season approaches, it’s time to plan your herbicide program. Addressing weed challenges, herbicide updates, and compliance tools early can protect yields and ensure regulatory adherence.
Weed Challenges for 2025
Experts like Christy Sprague, a Michigan State University weed specialist, share insights on upcoming weed management issues. In the 2024 season, waterhemp was a significant problem for many farmers.
To tackle it in 2025, Michigan State University (MSU) recommends using their Weeds Science fact sheet, offering strategies to manage waterhemp and palmer amaranth in crops like corn, soybean, and alfalfa.
Sprague emphasizes that while commodity prices are low, cutting back on herbicides can lead to profit losses. Early scouting and managing weed escapes is crucial, especially for herbicide-resistant weeds. Testing suspected resistant plants is recommended.
The 2025 Weed Control Guide for Field Crops, releasing in December 2024, provides valuable updates on licensed premixes for corn, tips for cover crop termination, and herbicide options that won’t harm cover crops. Delayed applications next spring can lead to yield losses, making proactive planning essential.
By preparing a thorough herbicide plan and staying informed about regulations, farmers can effectively combat weeds, protect yields, and comply with 2025 pesticide requirements.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Sustainable Agriculture