Kill Weeds Before They Grow

Using a seed impact mill now may reduce future weed problems.

- By Chelsea Dinterman Agronomy & Livestock Editor [e-mail]

You've done everything right. You've calibrated your sprayer, checked the nozzles, made smart herbicide decisions, and followed the label to a T. And yet, weeds still stand tall at harvest. When weeds have developed such prominent herbicide resistance, what options are left?

First developed in Australia in the early 2000s, the seed impact mill is a promising new tool for halting weeds in their tracks. Fitted to the back of the combine, the implement mechanically grinds weed seeds so they are no longer viable. The ultimate goal is to reduce the weed seed bank and minimize risk in following years.

“Every single year, we’re seeing more and more weeds being resistant to herbicides with less and less solutions,” said Ben Morrow, marketing manager for Redekop, a Canadian company that manufactures seed impact mills. “This is another tool in your toolbox to fight against that.”

Combine Requirements

Three companies offer seed impact mills, although only Redekop is based in North America. While new combines may offer preattached seed impact mills, retrofitting existing combines can be difficult. Technicians experienced in this technology may be hard to find.

Ole Norgaard, an organic small-grains farmer in Montana, installed a Harrington Seed Destructor from Australia on his combine a couple years ago. He’s had to rely on the manufacturer for installation and service direction. “Nobody out in this part of the world installs these units,” he said. “I had to install it myself. That was a major job, because everything had to be done correctly.”

A Class 7 or greater combine is typically required to operate a seed impact mill.