Keeping troublesome weeds like waterhemp in check requires more creativity and flexibility than in the past, says Mark Storr, technical services representative for BASF. Waterhemp is resistant to at least four classes of herbicides in Iowa, and as many as six different herbicide classes in other states.

“It’s tougher and tougher to control weeds with chemistry,” Storr said recently at a field day at BASF’s research farm near Story City. “They all have issues. Nothing is 100%.”

Through an initiative called “Op­­eration Weed Eradication,” BASF is working with farmers to protect yields by implementing a range of herbicide and non-herbicide tactics. 

The multi-faceted approach is important...