Time to Make the Donuts: Start Clean, Stay Clean

If you remember those old Dunkin’ Donuts commercials, you know the line, “Time to make the donuts.” 

Well… for us, it’s that time again.

As planters get ready to roll, this is when I start thinking hard about pre-emerge programs. With tighter corn prices, I get the temptation to cut back. But I’ll tell you this, letting weeds get started is still one of the most expensive mistakes we can make.

Corn is at its most vulnerable those first few weeks. If weeds are out there competing for moisture and nutrients early, especially in our dryland acres, you’ve already given up yield before the crop even has a chance.

That’s why I keep coming back to the same thought every spring: 

The cheapest weeds to control are the ones that never come up.

A good residual program isn’t about spending more, it’s about protecting what you’re already investing. In most cases, the best approach is still a strong pre-program to start clean, followed by a post pass if needed to stay clean.

So as you finish up your crop plan, here’s my 2 cents: 

Don’t put yourself in a position where you’re trying to rescue a weedy field. Build a program that keeps you ahead from day one.

Start clean. Stay clean. Protect your yield.

— Dwayne