Weed notes: It's hot outside

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Published on Thursday, August 29, 2013

By: Sid Lewis

myWestman.ca

At the time of writing this column (Aug. 27), the weatherman is telling us it will be 34°C and humidity of 94 per cent today.

Before coming to the office people were saying, “You won’t have to use spray today to control the weeds, the heat will do it for you!” Previously I had planned the week of Aug. 25-30 to start the fall dandelion program. With super high temperatures and humidity such as we have at the moment, the program will be put on hold until cooler systems prevail.

A ratepayer phoned a few days ago concerned about the weed growth on a municipal dirt road and wondered if we would spray the road to control the growth. Upon checking, two neighbours had worked the municipal ditch up to the point where only approximately four feet of trail was left.

I am noticing more ditches being sown in the four RMs in my district, although maybe not to this extreme. In this case, an oilseed crop was on one side which makes it impossible for us to use a broadleaf herbicide to eradicate the kochia (this is the case in all areas). I suggest that both parties on each side of the road spray or otherwise control the weeds when attending the crop beside.

I was at the Graydon Cummings sale at Strathclair a few weeks ago where huge numbers of antiques were present (and Bryton Kingdon of Cardale as pictured in last week’s Banner). When taking some of our purchases back to our vehicle, I saw a mother and her son standing by the back door of their vehicle with the door open.

When we were closer, I noticed they were attending an older woman with her head between her legs, which were out the door. Thinking it was a grandmother who was suffering from the heat and wanting to bring up, I thought I would go see if my help was needed. At about six feet away, the mother grasped the granny’s hair, gave a twist and the head came off! Needless to say, I was shocked!

Granny was actually a mannequin they were trying to fit into an already full car.

If you have any questions for Midwest Weed District please phone 204-764-2128.