Two field days will address the use of alfalfa to fight pigweed
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Aug. 2, 2019
Fast Facts:
- When: Sept. 9th at 5:30PM
- Where: James Farm, located at 4511 AR-304, Pocahontas.
- No cost to attend
- Dinner provided
- Call 501-671-2171 to register
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UPDATE: The first of the two field days, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23, has been postponed. The Sept. 9 field day in
Pocahontas remains scheduled.
CHERRY VALLEY, Ark. – Agronomists with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture are testing an age-
old approach to solving a modern-day farming problem: The increasingly prevalent Palmer amaranth, commonly known as pigweed.
Herbicide-resistant pigweed can be a costly problem for farmers. Historically, crop rotation with a forage crop was used to break up disease and weed cycles. As the weed becomes increasingly unphased by available chemistries, some growers may find that reuniting with an older approach may be the new tool they’ve been seeking.
John Jennings, extension forage specialist for the Division of Agriculture and the primary investigator for this research, said the use of alfalfa as a high quality hay crop is being tested for efficacy in the escalating war against pigweed.
“There is no pigweed that can stand up to being mowed every 30 days, when alfalfa hay is harvested,” Jennings said.
Two upcoming field days will give Arkansas growers the opportunity to learn about whether this approach may be a good fit for their respective farms.
The first field day is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23 at 175A County Road 324, Cherry Valley.
The second is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 9 at 5:30 PM on the James Farm, located at 4511 AR-304, Pocahontas.
Discussion topics
- Pigweed biology and control
- Economics and alfalfa planting and management
All interested crop and livestock producers are encouraged to attend one or both field days.
To register and help with meal planning, please call Linda McCargo at 501-671-2171. There is no cost to attend.
To learn about weed control in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Twitter at @UAEX_edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact 501-671-2171 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact: Ryan McGeeney
Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
@Ryan_McG44