Retailers and growers need to dust off the toolbox and consider weed control tools they haven’t looked at in awhile for their soybean fields says Joe Short, herbicide strategy team manager with Valent U.S.A..
Short details that with the current supply chain challenges, glyphosate, glufosinate and auxins are tight. And he advises retailers and farmers to keep their eye on the target—the most problematic weeds.
“It’s about managing two tough weeds---Palmer amaranth and waterhemp,” Short says. “They are top of mind. No one can cut corners on that piece even if things are tight. And that includes when spraying conditions aren’t right—I know it’s frustrating, but we can’t put products out there when it’s not ideal conditions.”
He offers PPO inhibitors can be effective tank mixes as agronomists work to ensure they are layering in the proper weed control measures, and he names Valent’s Cobra, Resource and Perpetuo Herbicides as options.
“As we look at managing weeds in soybean fields, you’ve got major broadleaf weeds that emerge later. You need a post residual, and you need a solid pre up front,” Short says. “We’ve been working with retailers and growers to manage seed trait technologies and cover their bases.”
He remembers similar supply tightness in 2008, when he was working in the distribution side of the business. And like it was 12 years ago, Short says growers should take the lessons of this year with layering in the herbicides that are available and carry that knowledge into next year, when supplies are likely to be limited in some degree.
“Depending on the market dynamics, it looks like herbicide supplies won’t be abundant next year—it will still be tight,” Short says. “Don’t wait for your needs in season. Plan ahead with a strong pre-residual, which is key for resistance management as well.”
He says Valent is a resource as retailers and farmers are looking for what options are out there as they explore all of the tools in the weed control toolbox.
