Nebraska Flame Weeding Workshop
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025
9 am – 5 pm
Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center
Ithaca, Nebraska
Register by September 3, 2025.
$150 includes binder and lunch.
$15 for guest lunch fee for spouse/co-worker's.
About
The Nebraska Flame Weeding Workshop will present results from 15+ years of research conducted by the teams of Stevan Knezevic, professor of agronomy and horticulture specializing in weed science, and George Gogos, professor of mechanical engineering. This work is also documented in over 20 scientific publications, 100+ abstracts presented at many regional, national and international meetings, and a patent for flaming equipment.
Participants will learn how to properly flame all major Midwestern weeds in eight agronomic crops – field corn, sweet corn, popcorn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa, sunflower and wheat.
Propane fueled flame weeding is an acceptable method for weed and pest control in organic farming. It is also gaining interest among conventional producers due to the increase in weed resistance and costs of GMO crop seeds.
Propane doses for weed control and crop tolerance data will be presented. Four row flamers with patented hoods for broadcast and banded flaming will be demonstrated along with flaming treatments applied at several crop growth stages in corn and soybean.
Several local organic farmers will share their experience with flame weeding on their farms.
Agenda
- 9:30 – 10 am: Registration
- 10 – 10:10 am: Introductions and overview of the program (Stevan Knezevic, PhD)
- 10:10 – 10:30 am: Basics of Flame Weeding and Equipment (Knezevic)
- 10:30 – 11 am: Development of flaming hoods and torches (George Gogos, Ph.D. / Chris Bruening, Ph.D.)
- 11am – 12:30 pm: Field Demonstration of Flame Weeding Equipment and Procedures (Gogos and Bruening)
- 12:30 – 1 pm: Lunch (Provided)
- 1 – 1:30 pm: Propane dose response for weed control (Knezevic)
- 1:30 – 2 pm: Crop tolerance to single and multiple flaming (Knezevic)
- 2 – 2:30 pm: Time of day impacts flame weeding (Knezevic)
- 2:30 – 3 pm: Flame weeding and cultivation in corn and soybean (Knezevic)
- 3– 3:30 pm: Experience from local producers (Randy Fendrich and Larry Stanislav)
- 4 – 5 pm: Revisit fields, Questions and Discussion
- 5 pm – Adjourn
Directions
The workshop will take place at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension & Education Center, 1071 County RD G, Ithaca, Nebraska. Directions
Accommodations
If you need overnight accommodations, Wahoo Heritage Inn in Wahoo, Nebraska is close to Ithaca. There are also numerous lodging options available in nearby Lincoln or Omaha.
Is Flame Weeding for You?
Is Flame Weeding For You? (youtube video)
Questions?
For more information about the Flame Weeding Workshop contact Stevan Knezevic at sknezevic2@unl.edu or 402-584-3808.
