By Andi Anderson
After nearly 30 years, Wesley Everman is back in Iowa, ready to assist farmers in tackling the growing challenges of weed management.
Starting his new role on November 1 as an Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Specialist at Iowa State University, Everman brings over a decade of experience from North Carolina State University, where he researched economical solutions to herbicide resistance.
In addition to research and extension work, Everman will teach an advanced weed management course in fall 2025. His early plans include a statewide tour to engage with growers and industry representatives through roundtable discussions.
This initiative aims to identify the most pressing weed management issues and tailor his research to Iowa’s specific needs.
“My goal is to connect directly with farmers, understand their challenges, and find practical solutions that can be easily implemented,” said Everman.
He emphasized the importance of integrated management practices to prevent herbicide resistance and support sustainable farming.
Everman’s approach combines research and extension activities, focusing on precision weed mapping, cultural practices like cover crops, and advanced spraying techniques.
These methods aim to manage herbicide-resistant weeds effectively while minimizing the need for drastic changes in farming operations.
“Returning to Iowa and addressing herbicide resistance is a big responsibility,” Everman shared. “I bring extensive experience in managing resistant weeds and look forward to working with farmers to adopt effective tools and strategies.”
With his expertise and commitment, Everman aims to make a lasting impact in Iowa agriculture, helping farmers enhance weed control and sustain productive farming systems.
His return marks a promising step for the state in addressing the critical issue of herbicide resistance.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Iowa, General