There are a number of weeds that cause producers problems throughout the year. Some of these problem weeds are in row crops and some on livestock operations. Regardless of the weed or situation there are times that are better than others to make applications to control problem weeds, but it depends on the weed and conditions. As a reminder, you must follow the label for all applications. The products used to control certain weeds may or may not be permitted for use in the fall, so read closely.

For row crops there are advantages to controlling some of the weeds in the fall. Some of these reasons include soils being able to dry earlier in the spring if not covered with dense weeds. Another reason is that some weeds may be a host for a disease that may also be a problem in the upcoming crop. For soybean producers soybean cyst nematodes also like some of the weeds that often grow in crop fields over the winter months and into early spring like purple deadnettle.

For livestock producers a couple of the weeds that come to mind may also be a problem in and around crop fields. Canada Thistle and Poison Hemlock come to mind as being problems on many of the farms that I have been on. Fall applications may help with both of these weeds. One fall application may not be enough to wipe them out, but it could be a good start. A spring application to follow up would be a good idea, too. Both of these weeds are still green even after the recent cold temperatures, and typically are green before most other vegetation in March.

Pick a warm day when there is no wind and follow the label. The Ohio and Indiana Weed Control Guide can also provide additional helpful information. Weed Control Guides are available at the OSU Extension offices. Right now 2015 Weed Control Guides are reduced to $10 while supplies last. You may want to call to check on availability before making the trip. The number to call in Adams County is 937-544-2339, Brown County is 937-378-6716 and in Highland County is 937-393-1918.

Pond Issues in Ohio

Pond issues are a common call during the summer months in Southern Ohio. The calls range from weed and algae control to fish kills and everything in between. The OSU Extension Specialist that deals with pond questions is Eugene Braig. Eugene recently passed on information concerning a publication that has been around for several years, but availability was an issue. That has now changed.

If you are looking for pond information that is specific for Ohio you may want to check this out online. You can download the document in its entirety here: http://wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/portals/wildlife/pdfs/publications/fish%20management/Pub432.pdf.

Fertilizer Certification and Pesticide Re-certification Dates

As we near the end of 2015 it is time to start thinking about pesticide re-certification for private applicators that have a license that will expire on March 31, 2016. In addition to re-certification for pesticide license, those who have a pesticide can also attend a two hour certification for applying fertilizer. If you do not have a pesticide license you cannot get credit with this two hour program. If you do not have a pesticide license you are required to attend a three hour session for fertilizer which will be offered later in the winter. Keep in mind the fertilizer requirements do not start until Sept. 30, 2017.

The requirements for needing or being exempt for the fertilizer certification at this point is applying fertilizer on more than 50 acres of land that is producing crops primarily for sale. That can be hay, corn, tobacco, soybeans, etc. However, if you are raising the crop to primarily feed livestock you are not required to have the certification. We have fliers in the OSU Extension offices that explain this in more details. Stop by and pick on up, or if you have questions you call me at 937-515-2314. The flyer is also available online at http://pested.osu.edu near the bottom of the page.

Locally I have scheduled three opportunities for producers to attend fertilizer and pesticide education programs. In all cases pre-registration is required. There are over 250 applicators who need to attend one of these three sessions, so walk-ins or even switching to another session because something came up will not work unless space is available. Seating is limited and once a session is full, it is full. With that in mind, if you have limitations due to the dates or the time of the day you can attend, please reserve your spot early with a phone call and send in the payment. The payment in this case is $35. This is for the training, a light meal, and a publication. If you have a special dietary need please let us know when you call to register. Cindy Kratzer will handle all registrations for Pesticide and Fertilizer training at 937-378-6716. If you call after hours please leave the message for Cindy.

The sessions are as follows: Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 at North Adams High School. This session will begin 5 p.m. with Fertilizer training until 7 p.m. Then we will break for pizza followed by the pesticide re-certification from 7:30- 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016 at Southern State Community College in Hillsboro. This session begins 10 a.m. with Fertilizer training until noon. Then we will break for pizza followed by pesticide re-certification from 12:30- 3:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at Southern Hills Board Office on Hamer Road in Georgetown. This session begins 10 a.m. with Fertilizer training until noon. Then we will break for pizza followed by pesticide re-certification from 12:30- 3:30 p.m.

Remember to pre-register early. You can also email Cindy at kratzer.11@osu.edu. Please mail payment to the Brown County Extension office, 325 W. State St. Bldg. B, Georgetown, Ohio 45121.

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