Spring Preview: Dees’ Talks Weed-Management and New Technology

Have no fear, soybean farmers’ optimum planting window remains wide open, says Mississippi Soybean Promotion Board (MSPB) Vice Chairman and Leland farmer Paul Dees.

Mississippi weather has put a damper on planting this year, but there’s still plenty of time left in April to get your seed in the ground.  However, even though farmers are eager to roll out the planter, Dees says it’s important to remember to scout and manage weeds throughout this process. In this interview, conducted on March 26, Dees shares his plans for the upcoming season.

Be sure to check back for more updates from other MSPB board members.

Q: How has planting season started for you?

A: As all farmers in this part of the country know, planting is off to a slow start this year. Many of us weren’t able to begin planting corn until late March, which was a little stressful. I was able to begin planting on March 30, and my goal is to have all soybeans in the ground by the end of April.

Q: Which herbicide-resistant weeds do you expect to see this year?

A: I have a lot of Italian ryegrass and Palmer amaranth that I have to manage. The main thing is to not let the weeds get too big. As long as we get the weeds while they’re small, we can kill them. It’s important for farmers to scout their fields and get herbicides out in a timely manner. Managing weeds requires a year-round plan, starting before planting. Last fall, the tillage I did for my 30-inch rows helped manage fall weeds, and I plan to spray behind the planter this spring.

Q: Do you plan on using any new technologies this year?

A: I continue to implement more of the advanced irrigation tools that come out. I’ve been using PHAUCET/PipePlanner, as well as surge valves. Using PHAUCET has increased my efficiency dramatically, especially where I had a long run of poly pipe. I plan to use PipePlanner this year to set up additional fields, and believe I’ll get similar results.