BRODHEAD — Farmers in the region are busy harvesting wheat and other small grains. A local producer-led watershed group, Farmers of the Sugar River, is planning a combine cleaning clinic at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29 at the Wenger Family Shop, located at N1261 Mount Hope Road, Brodhead. The event will teach farmers and operators why it’s important to clean combines, which areas to clean get the most out of their time and when to do it. Removing the bulk of material that gets stuck in a combine head, feeder house and rock trap removes weed seeds that are mixed with the plant material or that settle out in these areas. 

Research will be presented that can help farmers understand this important tool they have for weed management on their farms. A waterhemp plant, part of the pigweed family, can retain about 99% of its potential 250,000 seeds up through harvest. Research shows that many plants are spread by mowing or harvesting through the population and subsequently carrying the seed to new adjacent areas to become established. Many field weed seeds are still viable after being buried for 17 years, which makes the case for preventing their presence as a sound option.

Farmers will leave the event knowing where the three main areas are to clean with a battery powered leaf blower. Personal protective equipment like hearing protection, fine dust mask, eye protection and long-sleeved pants and shirt will make the job safer. Lunch will follow the clinic. Lake Ridge Bank has graciously stepped up to provide lunch for attendees. Call Tonya Gratz with any questions and to RSVP for the event at 608-325-4195 ext. 121, text 608-426-2218 or email Tonya.Gratz@wi.nacdnet.net by Monday, July 28.