By Andi Anderson
The battle against herbicide-resistant weeds is intensifying among crop farmers in Iowa and the Midwest. The 2022 Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, which surveyed over 850 row crop farmers, sheds light on this escalating issue.
The results, published in the November 2023 report "Farmers’ Attitudes and Behaviors Related to Weed and Herbicide Resistance Management," reveal a significant shift in farmers' approaches to weed control.
A majority of farmers are deploying multiple strategies to manage herbicide resistance. Ninety-seven percent of respondents are practicing crop rotation, 84% are using various herbicide modes of action, and 81% apply herbicides at different times.
Other notable methods include tillage (73%), cover crops (42%), hand-weeding (43%), and utilizing herbicide-resistant crop cultivars (44%).
These practices align with expert recommendations and reflect a substantial increase from similar data gathered in 2013.
J. Arbuckle, a rural sociologist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, highlights farmers' growing awareness and concern about herbicide-resistant weeds. Most importantly, the adoption of recommended management practices is on the rise, moving in a positive direction.
Katherine Dentzman, assistant professor in rural sociology at Iowa State and co-author of the survey, points out a significant behavioral change over the past nine years. Most farmers have altered their weed management programs in response to herbicide resistance concerns. This shift is indicative of a proactive stance towards the issue.
Despite these efforts, herbicide resistance remains a persistent challenge in agriculture. Ninety percent of farmers feel that pest management is like a "never-ending technology treadmill." The problem is compounded by the need for collective action, as weeds can easily spread from farm to farm.
The survey also reveals a hesitation among farmers to discuss resistance issues with neighbors, largely due to privacy concerns and the right to individual decision-making. Despite this, 87% of farmers express concern about resistant weeds spreading from nearby farms, and nearly half believe in the effectiveness of farmer-led collaboration.
Arbuckle emphasizes that the survey provides crucial insights for extension specialists and researchers, helping them understand farmers' perspectives on the issue. While positive trends are evident, much work remains to control the evolution of resistance effectively.
Dentzman finds it encouraging that farmers are actively addressing the issue. They recognize the problem and are employing appropriate management approaches. This proactive engagement presents an opportunity for further support and information dissemination to optimize weed management strategies.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot
Categories: Iowa, Crops