What’s Working in Ag: Winning the Weed Control Battle

In this episode of the Farm4Profit Podcast, host David Whitaker sits down with Jeff Moon, a market development specialist from Corteva, to discuss effective weed control strategies in modern agriculture. The conversation centers on the growing challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds like waterhemp, which can produce up to 500,000 seeds per plant and persist in the soil for up to 12 years. Jeff emphasizes the importance of using multiple modes of action—particularly in tank mixes—to prevent resistance and ensure long-term effectiveness. He highlights Resicore Rev as a key product offering three modes of action with extended application windows and excellent tank mix flexibility, even when combined with atrazine and glyphosate. The discussion also covers the risks of ignoring small weed patches, which can attract insects and expand rapidly, and underscores the critical role of scouting to identify weed pressure early. Practical advice includes targeting weeds at 2–4 inches tall for optimal control and understanding the limitations of residual chemistry, especially under varying weather conditions. The episode stresses that successful weed management is not just about killing current weeds but also protecting future crops through strategic planning, proper timing, and integrated approaches. Jeff warns against repeating the same active ingredients and encourages farmers to evaluate their entire herbicide program with a focus on sustainability and long-term profitability. The conversation concludes with a reminder that while Corteva offers a wide range of solutions, they are transparent about when they don’t have the answer—instead guiding farmers toward better decisions. The episode reinforces the core message: farming for profit requires proactive, science-backed weed control that considers both immediate results and long-term field health.