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Controlling Weeds in the Row for Organic Crops
Tuesday, June 25 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Decorah
In partnership with University of Northern Iowa
Managing weeds is one of the major production challenges for organic farmers. The weeds growing within the row can cause the biggest problem because they cannot be cultivated out. Wayne and Ryan have been flame-weeding for about 10 years, and they have used an electric weeder for the last three. They have been very pleased with both tools and invite farmers and the public to come learn from their experience. Guests will get to see two different flame-weeders, and hear how the Wangsnesses use electricity to deal with tall weeds like giant ragweed, pigweed and shattercane. Brian Lang, the northeast Iowa extension field agronomist with Iowa State University, will discuss current diseases and pests in organic systems.
HOSTS: Wayne and Ryan Wangsness Family | Flying W Farm | (563) 517-0014 | wcwangsness@gmail.com
SPEAKER: Brian Lang – ISU Extension and Outreach
THE FARM:
The Wangsness farm is a certified organic family farm that raises corn, small grains, soybeans, trees, alfalfa and laying hens. Ryan, Wayne’s son, is the fourth generation to farm this land and is transitioning into being the sole proprietor or partnering with his son.
TOPICS:
- Controlling weeds with electricity
- Controlling weeds with fire
- Diseases and pests in organic systems
- Farming organically
SPONSORS:
- Blue River Organic Seed
- Iowa Farmers Union
- Farm Bureau Agent Travis Feickert
- Pipeline Foods
- Grain Millers Inc.
- Organic Valley- CROPP Cooperative – Organic Prairie
- MOSA Certified Organic
- Agricultural Flaming Innovations
- The Weed Zapper by Old School Manufacturing
LOCATION: 1869 Middle Ossian Road Decorah 52101
DIRECTIONS:
From the intersection of U.S. 52 and IA Hwy 9 near Decorah: Go east on IA Hwy 9 to the stop lights and turn left (north) onto Short Street. In 0.3 mile, turn right (south) on Division Street. In about 0.7 mile, Division Street becomes County Road W38 / Middle Calmar Road. Continue for about 5 miles to 195th Street and turn left (east). In 1.4 miles, you will come to a T intersection; turn right (south) onto Middle Ossian Road. The farm will be on your right in 0.8 mile; look for the white-and-red hoop building.
From Calmar: Travel east on U.S. 52 for about 2 miles and turn left (north) on Middle Calmar Road. In 1.3 miles, turn right (east) on 177th Street and go 1.6 miles to the T intersection. Turn left (north) on Middle Ossian Road. The farm will be on your left in 0.9 mile; look for the white-and-red hoop building.
MEAL INFORMATION:
Lunch will be provided by Iowa Farm Bureau Federation. Please RSVP by clicking the blue button below.
We take RSVP numbers to get an idea of the amount of food that we need to provide for the event. If you RSVP after the deadline but before the event, you are still welcome, but we cannot guarantee a meal.
2019 Field Day Sponsors
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