Now is the time for farmers to consider new products before they head back to the fields this spring. (Photo courtesy National Corn Growers Association)

By Carrie Muehling

FAIRBURY – Many farmers right now are wrapping up winter projects and attending informational meetings about new products and programs that are available. 

Industry experts are still talking about weed resistance and encouraging farmers to use different modes of action in fields in the coming year. It could be important for farmers to look at different avenues they haven’t considered before, and now is the time to do that as opposed to closer to the growing season.

“Everyone understands when it’s time to go, it’s time to go and you don’t want to be asking a lot of questions then because you don’t get your due diligence in on weighing out all of your different options,” said Brad Schmidgall, plant manager for Brandt Consolidated in Fairbury.

Although it is common for farmers to continue with what has worked well in the past, Schmidgall said it is worth looking at new technology, as well.

“With the technology that’s available in the marketplace today, there are a lot of good things. If somebody’s going to spend the time to take it out there and develop it, there is a good chance that it may have a fit somewhere on your farm,” said Schmidgall.

Schmidgall is encouraged by the rain that has come to the area in past weeks, but hopes to see more recharge before it’s time to plant the 2013 crop.

Carrie Muehling can be reached at carrie@wjbc.com.