With the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s announcement that Palmer amaranth, a fast-spread noxious weed, has been discovered in Todd County, Senate Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa) issued the following statement:

“The discovery of Palmer amaranth in northern Minnesota means we must be extra vigilant,” said Senator Gazelka. “This noxious weed can have a devastating effect on crops and farmland. We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of this ‘superweed’ before it wreaks havoc on our area.”

Palmer amaranth is a fast-spreading noxious weed found in 27 other states and was found in several southwestern Minnesota counties earlier this year. During the 2017 legislative session, several measures were passed to prevent the spread of Palmer amaranth and other noxious weeds, including requiring seed mixes to follow Minnesota’s current seed verification process, requiring farmers and landowners to be notified if noxious weeds are found on their land, and providing funds to aid local governments in combatting its spread.

According to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, individuals in areas affected by the proliferation of Palmer amaranth can take steps to stop its growth:

• Be proactive and prevent Palmer amaranth establishment. Familiarize yourself with Palmer amaranth identification and actively look for it in crop fields, borders, ditches, conservation lands and around dairies.
• If you suspect Palmer amaranth on your property, immediately call your local U of M Extension Educator or IPM Specialist, crop consultant, and/or the MDA’s Arrest the Pest (888-545-6684) to report locations.
• Avoid entering areas where Palmer is suspected or confirmed. If you must enter an infested area, always clean vehicles, equipment, and clothing prior to exiting.
• If planting grasses and other flower mixes for conservation plantings, use local sources to ensure plants are compatible with Minnesota’s climate and that they come from a reputable source.

“With the livelihood of area ag producers and our area’s environment at stake, during the 2017 legislative session, we took substantive steps to stop the spread of Palmer amaranth and other noxious weeds,” Senator Gazelka continued. “We are trying to stop the spread of the weed before it becomes uncontrollable.”

Senator Paul Gazelka is the leader of the Minnesota Senate. He is in his third term serving Senate District 9, which includes communities in Cass, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties.