Plenty of attention is on harvest right now, and growers are watching every dollar, but it is not too early to be thinking ahead to your 2027 weed management program and any needed adjustments that should be made. When it comes to choosing a herbicide, learn the costs that go beyond the price on the jug or tank.
“Purchase price is one part of the equation, but it’s not the entire equation,” says Jeremy Sharp, U.S. Corn Herbicide Product Lead at Syngenta. “Other costs to think about would be rescue applications, current weed pressure, yield impact, total cost of performance vs. upfront price. And don’t forget, growers’ time has a tremendous value too.
The cheapest option can carry more risk as well; a herbicide that performs consistently and protects yield potential can deliver a better return on investment than a lower-cost option that leaves control gaps or additional inputs later in the season.”
Sharp adds that it’s important to avoid the problems that result when products don’t stay properly mixed or suspended in the tank.
“When things settle in the tank, it can cause a lot of damage,” he explained. “Clog a jet, clog a pump, and slow down the entire operation. Tank cleanout and equipment downtime can quickly become costly. If a product settles out and causes delays, growers can risk missing the ideal timing for weed control.
Other things that can happen would be an uneven application, potentially leading to weed escapes. When products don’t stay properly suspended, a consistent application rate can be difficult to achieve.”
He says growers should ask certain questions before choosing the lowest-cost option.
“There’s a reason why it’s low cost, so what’s that reason? Small savings upfront can disappear quickly if you need a rescue application or face yield loss from weed escapes.
What backs this product? Look beyond the active ingredients and evaluate the complete acre solution. Look for consistent field results across different environments, weed pressures and seasons, not just what’s on the label.
What value comes with the product beyond the jug? Consider agronomic expertise, stewardship resources, technical support, and the confidence that comes from working with a company standing behind its products.”
And Sharp says there are ways that a grower can work to reduce the odds of unexpected costs showing up later in the season.
“Start clean, stay clean,” he says. “Be proactive rather than reactive; investing in a strong weed management program upfront can help reduce the need for costly rescue treatments later in the season. A strong foundation can help you plan ahead and gives you flexibility for all the unknowns that come during the season.
Prioritize consistency and performance. Products that deliver reliable weed control across varying conditions can help minimize surprises and keep operations running smoothly.
Work with trusted agronomic resources and build a plan before the season starts. Having a clear strategy for managing weed pressure can help growers make more confident decisions and avoid costly course corrections.
And I encourage growers to have the real cost conversation with their retailers.”
For more, visit the Syngenta website.
