Over time, this column has often discussed challenges posed by the No. 1 pests of corn and soybeans – weeds. Since farmers and crop consultants frequently bring weeds by to be identified, I try to keep excellent color ID resources on hand to assist with the process. Over the years, access to the big red Nebraska Weeds book, and later the green-covered Weeds of the Northeast book have proved to be excellent library assets for identification purposes.

A couple of weeks ago, our office acquired what might be the best ID resource to date. Reviewing it, I agreed with Ohio State University Extension Weed Specialist Mark Loux who commented, “There is finally a weed identification book with photos that addresses weeds in our area.” The Weeds of the Midwestern United States & Central Canada has 440 pages, 1,423 color photos and 363 maps to assist in accurately identifying herbaceous pests. More than 350 of the most troublesome weedy and invasive plants are pictured at various stages of life. Forty or more weed scientists and botanists have detailed where these weeds can be found and there general characteristics. Each weed species account includes:

•A distribution map and up to four color photographs showing seed, seedling, plant and flower;
•Scientific names, common names, and local synonyms of common names;
•Vegetative characteristics of seedlings and leaves;
•Notes on special identifying characteristics, reproduction capabilities and toxic properties.

The book costs around $45 and would serve as a comprehensive reference for any farmer or crop advisor dealing with unique and common weeds on a regular basis. We ordered our copy through the local bookstore, but it can be acquired from online sources.
Michigan State University has developed a smaller weed ID publication, An IPM Pocket Guide for Weed Identification in Field Crops, which can be handy to carry around. This publication is available from the MSU Bulletin Office as Bulletin E-3081, for $16. Link to the MSU newsletter article on this: www.ipmnews.msu.edu/fieldcrop/fieldcrop/tabid/56/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/2314/New-weedidentification-guide-available.aspx

Taxes are rarely a popular subject and unique business characteristics of farming can make the subject much less popular. You might want to ask your tax advisor if they are ready for all of this year’s changes.

Tax practitioners can get prepared for this year’s tax season by attending a two-day workshop offered by The Ohio State University. In addition, some of the schools offer a 2-hour Ethics session. Locations include: Columbus, Nov. 15-16; Fremont Nov. 17-18; Dayton Nov. 22-23; Ashland Nov. 30-Dec. 1; Chillicothe Dec. 2-3; Lima Dec. 7-8; and Zanesville Dec. 9-10.

The schools are designed for individuals who have some experience preparing and filing federal and state tax returns for individuals and small businesses. Instruction will focus on federal tax law changes and on the issues that may be encountered in 2010 preparing tax returns. The schools also will include an Ohio income tax update. Continuing education credit for accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys, and certified financial planners will be offered at this school.

Participants will receive copies of the 2010 National Income Tax Workbook (including a searchable CD containing 2004-2010 workbooks) and the 2011 RIA Federal Tax Handbook. Highly qualified instructors will explain and interpret recent changes in federal and state tax regulations. The registration fee is discounted $25 if you register far enough in advance. The fee includes all materials, lunches and refreshments.

Complete workshop information and online registration are available at the OSU Income Tax Schools’ website located at: http://incometaxschools.osu.edu or can be obtained by contacting Warren Lee at 614-292-6308 or lee.69@osu.edu

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.