Winning the War on Weeds
5 Steps for Better Weed Control

Weeds don’t just steal nutrients, moisture, and sunlight from your crops—they steal your profits, too. A clean field starts with a solid plan, and with unpredictable weather and growing herbicide resistance, staying ahead of weeds has never been more important.

Here are five key steps to keep your fields clean and your yields strong in 2025.

1. Start Strong: Know Your Fields and Weeds

Every field is different, and your weed control strategy should reflect that.

Scout early, spray smarter later. Identify problem weeds early to build the best herbicide plan.
No-till fields? Expect winter annuals like marestail and pennycress. An early burndown plus a strong residual will help keep them in check.
Don’t let herbicide resistance take over. Rotate effective modes of action and avoid relying on just one chemistry year after year.
Double-check your seed trait package. It’s easy to make mistakes, and the wrong herbicide on the wrong soybean trait can take out your whole field.


2. Two-Pass Herbicide Plans Win the Battle

Would you hunt a bear with a .22? Don’t ask a single herbicide pass to handle tough weeds. A two-pass program is your best defense.

Start with a strong pre-emergence herbicide to keep weeds from emerging in the first place.
Follow up with a second residual layer earlier than a traditional post-emergence pass to keep fields clean during critical growth stages.
Waterhemp at 16 plants per 100 sq. ft. can reduce corn yield by 12 bu/acre. A second pass helps shut them down before they steal your yield. Click to learn more.
Spraying black dirt isn’t a waste—it's a strategy. Preventing weeds before they emerge is half the battle.

3. Stay Flexible: Be Ready to Adapt

Even the best plan can go off track if weather or weed pressure changes.

Weed size matters. If they get too big, certain herbicides won’t work as well. If in doubt, scout before you spray.
Weather can change everything. Heavy rains might wash away pre-emergence products, while dry conditions can prevent activation. Adjust accordingly.
Know your backup options. If your original herbicide program isn’t cutting it, be ready to pivot to other chemistries before it’s too late. Your Ag Plus Agronomist can help you prepare for in-season curveballs.

4. Optimize Spray Technology & Adjuvants

Winning the weed battle is about more than just herbicides. How you spray matters just as much as what you spray.

Ag Plus Paar improves herbicide absorption from 24% to 60%. Better absorption means better control.
MasterLock ensures spray coverage reaches the ear leaf. Maximize your fungicide and herbicide investment.
Cornsorb delays droplet dry time, improving efficacy. Simple science, big impact.
Nozzle selection is key. Ultra-coarse nozzles can reduce weed control by up to 7%—choosing the right setup improves results.

5. Keep Scouting—All Season Long

Weed control isn’t just a springtime task. Consistent scouting helps prevent problems before they start.

Early scouting helps you adjust your program before weeds get out of hand.
Mid-season checks show if your plan is working or if you need to make a rescue application.
Late-season scouting is just as important. If resistant weeds survived, you’ll know what to target next year.

Plan Ahead with Ag Plus Cooperative

Want a weed control program that works? Ag Plus Cooperative has the products and expertise to help you stay ahead. Contact your agronomist today to build a strategy that fits your fields.

Corporate Office
1100 East Main Street
Marshall, MN 56258

(507) 532-9686

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