Take a systems approach to weed management with this 24-page report. Discover how-to tips and information on killing five of the most infamous weeds you face today, as well as proper tank-mixing strategies and rules to follow using new herbicide formulations like dicamba.

Voles are an integral part of an overall healthy working-lands ecosystem, but in certain situations their population growth can be damaging to crops. Barry Fisher, the Central Region Leader for the National Soil Health Division of the NRCS, says five active colonies in a close proximity is considered to be the economic threshold that can significantly reduce corn and soybean stands. Other rodents may also contribute to stand losses to a lesser degree. A recommended control program is one that combines multiple practices and strategies. Fisher discusses a systematic approach to controlling voles, including multiple modes of action to keep these critters in check.

“Troublesome” weeds are those resistant to one or more classes of chemistry or for various reasons are difficult to control. Bob Bruss, director of technical service for Nufarm Americas, covers the importance of multipronged weed control approaches that span the entire year — not just the growing season — and how to implement them in your no-till system. Bruss also discusses new options for burndown, the importance of fall applications and fallow control and how to best integrate new weed control technologies and traits to minimize the risk of further resistance development.

Weed management has progressively become more difficult as the impact of herbicide-resistant weeds continues to expand. What new tactics or technologies will improve control of these problematic weeds? Purdue University weed scientist Bryan Young will discuss the utility of both non-GMO and herbicide-resistant crop hybrids/varieties as the foundation for developing a successful weed management strategy.

As growers look ahead to 2016, pest control is top of mind. Which corn and soybean diseases are expected to gain an upper hand this year? Which insects or weeds will need more attention? Chad Threewits, a Syngenta agronomic service representative, provides an update about anticipated corn and soybean pests, as well as agronomic tips and product recommendations, to help control these key pests.

When it comes to spraying pesticides, think of the pest as the bull’s-eye on a target. The application will get the highest scores when the right rate of the pesticide is delivered directly to the center of the bull’s-eye. But if the relationships between water, the leaf surface and pesticide are off or if the applicator has poor equipment, the application won’t likely be on target. Fred Whitford shares how using adjuvants can help redirect those spray droplets back to the “bulls-eye,” even if the application was marginally acceptable. The clinical engagement professor for the Purdue Pesticide Programs explains how adjuvants can improve the biological performance of the pesticide.

Weeds, diseases and insects are nature’s way of adding diversity to a system that lacks it. You can try to find technologies that can control all the problems that pop up, or you can prevent most of them by providing beneficial diversity of your own. Dwayne Beck explains why no-tillers will want to rediscover rotational techniques for managing pests, especially with current cost/price ratios. The director of the Dakota Lakes Research Farm near Pierre, S.D., shares why crop rotations that are consistent in sequence or interval provide opportunity for weeds and insects. He also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different types of rotation.

Is Palmer amaranth a threat to your no-till yield? Should soil insecticides be more prominently used? What diseases seem to be gaining an upper hand in corn and soybeans? What pests need your attention?

Many no-tillers say slugs are becoming the most challenging pest they face. John Tooker will explain the challenges with managing these mollusks in no-tilled crops and address promising slug-control strategies, including the role cover crops may play in slug management.

Integrated Pest Management is more than just knowing what to spray and when, John Tooker says. The Penn State University entomologist says no-tillers need to think more broadly about their approach to insect control to consider how use of insecticides impact soil health, onfarm diversity of beneficial insects and whole farming systems.