MONROE — Farmers and agronomists are invited to attend a field day at 10 a.m. on Aug. 15 just north of Monroe to learn how to identify grasses in corn and soybean fields that have been escaping herbicide applications lately. Parking for the free event will be at W5592 County DR, just to the east of Wis. 69.

The main grasses that will be covered are Johnsongrass and Shattercane. Sorghum Almum is a hybrid of shattercane and Johnsongrass. All three are present in Green County. These grasses grow from either seed or rhizomes and emerge late spring and early summer. Johnsongrass is considered one of the ten worst invasive weeds in the world. Being able to recognize these grasses will help agronomists and farmers better able to plan for clean fields.

The grasses belong to the Sorghum family and were likely introduced for livestock forage. These grasses can impact grain yields and spread into field margins and natural areas. Learning to identify and to control will help farmers keep these invasive species in check.  

UW Extension and UW Nutrient and Pest Management Program staff will be on hand to give herbicide recommendations and assist in identifying samples from around the county. For any questions, contact Tonya Gratz at the Green County Land and Water Conservation Department via email Tonya.Gratz@wi.nacdnet.net or phone 608-325-4195 ext 121.