August 8, 2023
Field Day to Feature Weed Suppression Technologies and Innovations
The Flickner Innovation Farm will host a field day event on August 10, highlighting current work by local producers, national and state industry members, and Kansas State University researchers to effectively manage weeds through technology and precision Ag management strategies.
The event will take place at different venues in the Moundridge area and will feature both technology demonstrations and experts speaking on soil health, cover crops, weed suppression, and weed management.
“In the last few years, there have been some pretty big advances when it comes to tackling weeds on the farm,” said Ray Flickner, owner and operator of the Flickner Innovation Farm. “We’re looking forward to sharing these technologies so people can see first-hand how these things can perform in the field.”
Participants will be able to observe different systems like a John Deere See and Spray Ultimate and a Redekop Harvest Weed Seed Control. In addition to these technologies, Flickner said that two Kansas-based companies will also be on hand to exhibit their products. Greenfield Robotics will demonstrate the use of their Weedbot system, and RowShaver will have their product on site.
Weeds use valuable resources that row crops need to thrive. Climate, chemical-resistance, and other factors can lead to problems for farmers who try to manage the problem. According to K-State researchers, there are no “one and done” solutions for weeds.
“Weed management is an on-going challenge that requires a range of tactics to support traditional broadcast herbicide applications. The Flickner field day will give farmers an opportunity to learn about many strategies to diversity their weed management tools,” said Sarah Lancaster, KSRE specialist in weed science."
The program begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. The event is free and lunch will be provided. More information, including registration, is available online from the Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment.
The Innovation Farm is a partnership between Flickner, university agronomists, commodity groups, and industry leaders. Together, they are conducting studies in a large-farm setting to identify the most efficient technologies and techniques for Kansas producers to use on their own farms.