Grainswest - Winter 2026

Winter 2026 Grains West 40 FEATURE Good weed management is based on data, said Gosling. “We can’t manage what we don’t measure.” To this end, he added, track the application of herbicide actives and their timing on each field. This yearly snapshot is essential to monitor weeds, identify and document concerns and establish an effective crop rotation and success standards. “Planning is valuable, but every year is different,” he said, and noted application timing strongly affects herbicide performance. This was the case in 2025 because crops were stressed. “When plants have enough stress, they don’t take up chemistry well. In 2025, we had a lot of kochia and wild oats make it through a competitive crop, and we suspect it was a result of application timing of the herbicide during a stressful period,” said Gosling. “Successful weed management comes down to careful planning, diligent scouting and adapting strategies to stay one step ahead of resistance.” KEEP THE WEEDS GUESSING A pedigreed seed grower in the Stirling area, Ryan Mercer knows the value of weed management. Profit is higher when weed seeds are not present in his seed grain. “We have high standards for crop quality,” said Mercer. “That starts with clean, weed-free fields.” He noted kochia is his most problematic weed. Over the years he’s tested and confirmed resistance to several herbicide groups in kochia and wild oats. The most effective way to combat weeds and prevent resistance, Mercer believes, is to grow a healthy, competitive crop. This starts with healthy soil that is properly fertilized, well-drained, has suitable pH and ample organic matter. “Weed populations can be a sign of poor soil,” he said. Healthy soils support strong crop establishment that can out-compete weeds and reduce reliance on herbicides. Crop rotation, cycling through chemical groups and sowing fall and winter crops round out Mercer’s go-to weed management practices. “Do anything you can do to throw curve balls at weeds,” he said. Fall and winter crops have proven especially effective because they change the timing of typical cropping stages. While it’s harder for weeds to overcome these crops, less herbicide is required. “We need to keep weeds guessing so they don’t get comfortable and become a problem.” Mercer suggested herbicide treatment is too often central to weed management. “We need to be open to new ideas,” he said. He pointed to Farming Smarter, a southern Alberta applied research group that investigates new agronomic approaches on behalf of farmers. Developing a weed management plan is an ongoing process for Mercer, who collects data via tablets that he keeps in the tractor cab. GPS tracking Seed grower Ryan Mercer said kochia is his most problematic weed. He has confirmed resistance to several herbicide groups for kochia and wild oats. Photo of kochia in wheat courtesy of Julia Leeson.