By Scout Nelson
The Rochester Crop Management Tour is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026. This event will provide farmers and agricultural professionals with an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in crop production. The focus will be on improving corn and soybean farming practices through better weed management, herbicide use, and pest control.
The tour will include several informative sessions led by experts from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Debalin Sarangi, Extension Weed Scientist, will present updates on waterhemp herbicide resistance. The discussion will cover key herbicides such as 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Glufosinate, which are widely used for weed control in crop fields.
Ryan Miller, Crops Educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, will share results from corn and soybean herbicide evaluations. He will also explain trials involving Storen and Acuron Flexi herbicides and discuss the use of Group 15 herbicides in soybean production. These trials will help farmers understand which herbicides are most effective.
Dr. Eric Yu, Crops Educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, will present findings on spray water quality. His session will highlight how adjusting water pH can improve the effectiveness of herbicides in corn production.
Cover crops will also be an important topic. Liz Stahl, Crops Educator at the University of Minnesota Extension, will explain how cover crops can help manage weeds naturally. Sithin Mathew, a graduate student in applied weed science, will discuss how the timing of cover crop termination affects water use and soybean yield.
The tour will also feature updates on Rapidicil technology in new herbicides, pending approval, and information on the 2026 true armyworm situation. Participants will see field trials and learn about real-world crop challenges.
The event will begin with onsite registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by presentations at 9:00 a.m. Attendance is free, and no prior registration is required. The field site is located near the Olmsted County Recycling Facility, with clear directions provided for visitors.
This tour is a valuable opportunity for farmers to gain practical knowledge and stay updated on modern farming techniques.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans, Education