Another atypical and difficult cropping season is coming to a close. Of course that brings us to the obvious question, how many atypical seasons in a row does it take before we can start calling it ‘typical’? It has been so dry. I am at the point now I just hope it stays that way for another 6 weeks so the crops finish and we can get them into the bin without the added stress and cost of drying. There are a few crops out there which could still benefit from some moisture but for most it would just be an insult now. At this time of year I usually jump on my soap box and preach pre-harvest glyphosate. Let’s get ready for next year! Kill those weeds! Dry down those crops! Go! Go! Go! I know some of you are thinking, what kind of weed control will I get with those weeds almost shut down? Heck, I’m thinking it too. But most of you know, for perennial and bi-ennial weed control, now is the time. A pre-harvest, or if the weather cooperates and we don’t have a killing frost, post-harvest glyphosate will most often give you the best bang for your herbicide dollar. Part of the issue this year might well be finding glyphosate herbicides for your fall needs, so if you are thinking about it, start shopping. I’m going to throw another wrench into the machine. This is one year where I would strongly suggest you use a name brand glyphosate instead of a generic. Yup, the cost will be a bit higher, let’s say about $1/ac higher so about 10 per cent of the total cost when you include application. Consider these two things: the name brands, like Monsanto’s Roundup WeatherMax & Transorb, Dow AgroScience’s Vantage products and Syngenta’s Touchdown all cost a bit more, but they have been tested more rigorously, have better surfactants and have a company backing their efficacy claims. Document the application, including date, time, weather conditions, rain (if any) application rates, water volume & source – which is what most custom applicators will do for you, and if the results aren’t there next year, call the company or your retailer. Consider the extra cost you paid for the premium product as insurance. Certainly if the weeds are limp, crisp or brown from lack of moisture, then trampling the crop to apply a pre-harvest will probably not pay. Time your application properly, spray early morning whenever possible to get the plants before they shut down in the heat of the day. This should help with control if the fall continues to be dry. Many farmers, myself included, know that glyphosate works, and when conditions are good, any glyphosate works. I’m just saying this year might be the year to reduce your risk a bit, pay the extra for the name brand product – it could very well be the cost effective thing to do this year. As always, contact me if you have any questions or concerns. By phone at 780-837-2222, cell 837-0043 or by e-mail at: asb@mdsmokyriver.com.