Seeding Season Starts Here

The 5 Questions Your Agronomist Is Already Answering

Every spring, the phone starts ringing before the frost is fully out of the ground. Producers want to know: Are the weeds up yet? Can I spray? Am I seeding at the right rate?

These aren't questions with one-size answers, and that's the point. Independent agronomists work through the specifics of your field, your seed lot, your weather window, and your crop plan to give you advice that's actually grounded in what's happening out there right now.

Here are the five questions we're answering most this May, and exactly what the answers actually depend on.

1. Are there weeds up yet, and are there enough to warrant spraying?

Pre-seed checks are the first job of the season. We're out in the fields assessing what's emerged, what species we're dealing with, and whether populations are high enough to justify a burn-off. Spraying before there's a real target is money out the window. Wait for the data.

2. Can I spray today, or should I wait?

Timing relative to frost is one of the most common questions we field. After a light frost, the general guideline is to wait until daytime temperatures reach 10°C before applying herbicide. Weeds need to be actively growing to take in the chemistry. After a heavy frost, the standard is a two-day wait minimum. Your agronomist can look at the forecast and your specific product label to give you a more precise window.

3. What seeding rate should I be running?

This one depends entirely on your germination test results for this year's seed lot as seed size can vary significantly year to year within the same variety. A quick calculation using your germ test and target plant population gets you to the right rate. Don't carry last year's number into a new season without checking.

4. What's my tank mix order?

Mixing order matters. Getting it wrong can cause tie-up in your tank and seriously reduce efficacy. The WALES acronym is a useful field guide: Water, Agitate, add products in the correct sequence (dry flowables and wettable powders first, then emulsifiable concentrates, liquids, and surfactants last). Your product labels always take precedence and your agronomist should have a cheat sheet for your specific mixes.

5. Is my stand establishing the way it should?

Early-season scouting isn't just about weeds. Wire worms, cutworms, and flea beetles can all compromise your stand before you even know there's a problem. If your emergence looks uneven or plant counts are lower than expected, get some boots in the field and dig. Catching an insect issue at this stage is the difference between a yield hit and a replant decision.

The common thread across all five questions: the right answer depends on real conditions, real data, and someone who isn't trying to sell you anything. That's what independent agronomists are for. If you're working with an ICAN member, you're getting advice grounded in practical field experience.

What questions are you getting this spring?

• All about weeds
• Anxious to spray
• Seeding Rates
• Mix Order

See All Options

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