Business : 2025 Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day Comes to Iowa - August 20

Explore the latest cultivation insights for both row crops and specialty crops

The Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day will be held at Iowa State University's Horticulture Research Station on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

The event, now in its eighth year, will be held in partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa and Iowa State University.

Managing weeds can be a major challenge for both conventional and organic farmers, and cultivation can be an important tool for combating weeds. This field day offers a chance to observe weeding tools of various sizes demonstrated in the field, allowing attendees to learn from company representatives and farmers from across the region.

Dan Fillius, field specialist for horticulture and commercial vegetables with ISU Extension and Outreach and co-planner of this year's field day, shared the event's benefits for local growers.

"This event is in the top tier of educational field days in our region. I'm excited that it's in Iowa this year so our growers can easily attend," he said. "I've attended in the past and have been impressed with the assortment of cultivation demonstrations on display for both row crops and specialty crops."

During the morning exposition and tradeshow, farmers can view weeding tools, speak with representatives from manufacturers in the US, Europe and Japan, and meet with other farmers from the region. Trade show booths will also be present for attendees to meet with other agricultural supply companies.

Educational sessions will also be offered, where farmers can learn in the field about new tools and techniques. Session topics include stale seedbedding and Cultivation 101 for row crop growers who want to begin or improve mechanical weeding practices. An exhibition will also feature demonstrations of walk-behind tractors and hand tools for vegetable farmers.

Following a complimentary lunch provided at noon, attendees can witness a field demonstration where corn, beets and brassicas have been planted. Several camera-guided, 3-point robotic cultivators and belly-mounted tractors will be demonstrated in the field and explained by their manufacturers.

Row crop manufacturers attending include Buffalo/Henke, Treffler, Garford, Bayshore Sales (Hatzenbichler), T&H Cultivators and Unverferth. Vegetable manufacturers include Tilmor, Small Farm Works, BCS and Farm-ng.

The registration fee for this full-day event $85. Event organizers encourage those interested in attending to register early, as space is limited. Walk-in registration will be available, but lunch and conference amenities are not guaranteed. Registration may also be completed by contacting Crystal Stilman at crystal@thelandconnection.org or 217-840-2128.

The Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station is located at 55519 170th Street, Ames.

For more information or questions about exhibiting products, visit the Midwest Mechanical Weed Control website or contact Crystal Stilman at crystal@thelandconnection.org or 217-840-2128, or Sam Oschwald Tilton at glacialdrift@protonmail.com or 414-213-5337.