A series of weed management schools will take place in northwest and north central Kansas and are hosted by local K-State Research & Extension county and district offices. 

With the unknowns of herbicide availability this spring and the ever-increasing challenges of controlling difficult weeds, farmers and agri-business retailers want to hone their skill set on the latest research on controlling weeds. 

Several topics will be addressed by speakers from Kansas State University and University of Nebraska. Sarah Lancaster, K-State Extension Weed specialist, will discuss weed control with herbicides and non-chemical approaches to deal with possible herbicide shortages. Tyler Meyeres, K-State PhD student in weed science, will share her research on the role of residual herbicides in season-long weed control. Randy Lloyd, technology research scientist with University of Nebraska, will share research from the application technology lab at North Platte. 

The weed management schools will take place on Feb. 15 and 16. The schools on Feb. 15 will be held in Colby from 9 a.m. to noon at the City Limits Convention Center, 2227 South Range Ave. and in Osborne from 3-6 p.m. at the United Christian Church, 214 North 2nd Street.

The schools on Feb. 16 will be held in Hill City from 9 a.m. to noon at the Graham County 4-H Building Fairgrounds and in Claflin from 3-6 p.m. at the Community Center, 409 A Street. 

There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested by Feb. 8. Register at www.northwest.ksu.edu/events.  Contact your local Extension Office with any questions or for help with registration. Cottonwood District offices in Great Bend 620-793-1910, Hays 785-628-9430. Three credits for 1A commercial applicators and 3 pest management credits for CCAs have been applied for. Don’t delay; reserve your spot to attend by Feb. 8. 

Stacy Campbell is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Cottonwood Extension District. Email him at scampbel@ksu.edu or call the Hays office, 785-628-9430.