Wisconsin Extension Weed Management Workshop
Wisconsin Extension Weed Management Workshop
A full day of the latest weed management science, technology, and take-home-tips to improve weed control and profitability for ag service providers, farmers, agronomists, chemical applicators, and more.
From Basics to Breakthroughs:
Managing Weeds in a Resistance Era
Learn key fundamentals while also taking a deeper dive into herbicide resistance evolution to connect foundational concepts with practical, field-level implications and decision-making.
Join us for presentations and field plot tours, visit product and education booths throughout the day provided by workshop sponsors, participate in a weed identification contest, and enjoy morning and afternoon snacks along with a warm, catered lunch!
This event is hosted by the UW–Madison Division of Extension and the WiscWeeds Team.
This event has an associated cost to attend and includes a catered lunch. CCA CEUs will be available.
2026 Event Information
THEME
From Basics to Breakthroughs:
Managing Weeds in a Resistance Era
DATE
September 2, 2026
COST
$30 per person
2026 Event Agenda
8:30 – 9:15 a.m.
Doors Open, Light Refreshments, Welcome
9:15 – 10:00 a.m.
Why Have the Rules Changed for Managing Herbicide Resistance?
Talk and Speaker Information ↓
TALK DESCRIPTION
The rise of metabolic resistance is changing the rules of weed management. Unlike target-site resistance, metabolic pathways allow weeds to degrade herbicides before they reach their destination. This presentation will provide a foundational look at how these metabolic defenses work and why their emergence means we can no longer rely on traditional resistance-management strategies. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the biological mechanisms behind these failures and what the shift towards metabolic resistance means for field-level decision making.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Patrick Tranel is the Ainsworth Professor and Associate Head in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois.
His research program leverages molecular and genomic tools to tackle pressing isses in weed science.
Internationally recognized for his work on the evolution and underlying mechanisms of herbicide resistance, Dr. Tranel focuses on translating complex science into practical insights. By collaborating extensively with applied weed scientists and practitioners, he ensures his research provides timely, field-relevant solutions for modern weed management.
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Wisconsin Herbicide Resistance Update
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Farmer Panel: Managing Weeds in a Resistance Era
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch and Weed Identification Quiz
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Making Good Adjuvant Decisions: Selection, Performance, and Practical Lessons
Talk and Speaker Information ↓
TALK DESCRIPTION
Adjuvant selection is an important, and often confusing, factor influencing herbicide performance. Through practical demonstrations, real-world examples, and lessons learned from decades of experience, Greg Dahl will explain how different adjuvant types work, highlight common selection mistakes, and discuss how proper adjuvant choice can improve weed control while reducing application risks. Participants will leave with practical guidance to help applicators and crop advisors make more informed adjuvant decisions.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Gregory Dahl is a distinguished weed scientist, research leader, and educator with more than forty years of experience advancing herbicide development and performance, adjuvant technology, and integrated weed management.
His career spans industry, academia, and leadership roles, with a consistent focus on improving effectiveness, stewardship, and understanding of crop protection technologies.
Currently, Greg serves as the Director of Adjuvant Education for the Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA).
Greg holds a BS in Agronomy and a MS degree in agronomy/weed science from North Dakota State University.
He enjoys riding WEED PAIN! (his Polaris Slingshot) and checking out how well applicators have been messing up weeds!
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
WiscWeeds Field Plot Tour
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Ice Cream, Networking, and Event Close
Interested in Sponsoring?
This year we are asking corporate organizations for a $1,000 sponsorship, and non-profit organizations for a reduced sponsorship rate of $500.
In appreciation of your donation, you will receive 2 free registrations to the workshop, a booth space to interface with attendees, and one content slide to feature company highlights within the sponsor slideshow reel.
If you would like to help sponsor this event, please complete this Sponsor Form or contact Josh Kamps at (608) 673-0680 or joshua.kamps@wisc.edu for more information.
Past Event Information
2025 Event Information ↓
KEYNOTE TALKS
Spraying is Easy, Doing It Right Isn’t: Tips for Better Herbicide Applications
Dr. Tommy Butts, Clinical Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Scientist, Purdue University
Practical Experiences with Laser Weeders and Intelligent Sprayers in Vegetable Crops
Dr. Jed Colquhoun, Professor and Extension Specialist, UW-Madison Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences
WEED MANAGEMENT UPDATES
Targeted Spray Application Technologies
Ecorobotix, One Smart Spray, John Deere See and Spray, and WiscWeeds Team
PANEL DISCUSSION
In-Field Experiences with Targeted Spray Systems
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Field Technology Demonstrations
John Deere See and Spray, One Smart Spray, and Eco Robotics
Arlington Weed Science Plot Tour
WiscWeeds Team
2024 Event Information ↓
KEYNOTE TALKS
Navigating New Technologies for Drift and Weed Control
Dr. Tommy Butts, Clinical Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Scientist, Purdue University
Key Factors to Consider When Using Herbicides in Alfalfa
Dr. Mark Renz, Professor and Extension Specialist, UW-Madison Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences
Understanding the Chemistry Behind our Herbicide Applications
Dr. Tommy Butts, Clinical Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Scientist, Purdue University
WEED MANAGEMENT UPDATES
Corn-Soybean Weed Management Research Updates
- Herbicide resistance updates
- Exploring the power of herbicide mixtures
- Cover crops: planting green for weed management
- Combine cleaning for weed seed management
Dr. Rodrigo Werle and WiscWeeds Team
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Arlington Weed Science Plot Tour and Equipment Walks
WiscWeeds Team
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible. There’s no added cost to you for these services.