February 7, 2007

Contact: Peter Barney, 315-379-9192; Mike Hunter, 315-788-8450

Beat the Weeds: Learn Latest Control Strategies at March 14-15 NNY Crop Congresses

Weeds – who needs them? Definitely not farmers. Weeds can destroy a crop of corn costing farmers cash and lost feed value to dairy herds. Cornell University’s Dr. Russell R. Hahn says the timing of weed control treatments affects corn growth and yield. Hahn, an extension weed management specialist in Cornell’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, will speak at the 11th annual Crop Congresses on Wednesday, March 14 in Carthage, NY, and Thursday, March 15 in Canton, NY.

“Controlling weeds is a constant concern for farmers. As herbicide-resistant weed populations develop, farmers must become more vigilant in scouting for weeds and be more creative in their weed management practices,” Dr. Hahn says.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County Field Crop Educator Peter M. Barney, says, “At these Crop Congress meetings, Dr. Hahn will share the latest information on the role of residual herbicides in Roundup Ready corn weed control programs.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County Field Crop Educator Michael E. Hunter says, “Different weeds require different treatments to obtain the best control. The results of learning the most successful treatment options now pays off in the fall at harvest time.”

Also at the Crop Congresses, Dr. Quirine M. Ketterings of Cornell University will talk about the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP)-funded study on the nitrogen needs of a first-year corn crop planted after sod; Dr. William J. Cox of Cornell will present the results of NNYADP-funded field testing of 42 varieties of corn on North Country farms in 2006; and Cornell Cooperative Extension field crop educators Peter Barney of St. Lawrence and Michael Hunter of Jefferson County will speak on regional field crop research, in particular about teff.

The fee for the 10 am to 3 pm program is $15 before March 9; $20 after March 9. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Pesticide credits and Certified Crop Advisor credits have been applied for. To qualify for credits, farmers must arrive on time and stay through the entire program. To register for the Crop Congress at the Carthage Elks Club, call 315-788-8450. To register for the Crop Congress at the Canton Best Western University Inn, call 315-379-9192. #