At one time, weeding was a tedious, backbreaking part of farm work. Today it’s a tedious, backbreaking part of research. Just ask Jed Colquhoun, Shawn Conley or Mike Moechnig.

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have begun a new effort to understand weed-crop competition and to predict corn and soybean yield loss associated with weeds. When completed, the research will help Wisconsin growers manage weeds more efficiently and reduce their reliance on herbicides.

Conflicts over the use of agricultural land in Wisconsin have increased dramatically in recent years. Conversion of farm land for non-farm use and expanding livestock operations are among the sources of these conflicts.

Anton G. “Tony” Sendelbach, emeritus professor of dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, died Jan. 26, 2000 in Madison of a heart attack. He was 75 years old.

About 23 percent of the state’s dairy farmers used management-intensive rotational grazing last year — more than triple the 7 percent that used rotational grazing in 1993, a University of Wisconsin-Madison survey has shown.

The year 2000 began with some of the lowest commodity prices we’ve seen in decades. These depressed prices are making for difficult times in Wisconsin agriculture, and many farmers are re-examining their goals for their operations.

A Verona town-hall meeting to discuss community growth and land-use issues will be held at 7 p.m., February 24th at Verona City Hall, 111 Lincoln St. A town-hall Web site designed to inspire political discussion (www.cybercivic.com), and Verona cable station VHAT 12 will simulcast meeting. Citizens unable to attend can ask questions via the Web site or tune in to cable channel 12 and phone in questions.

Have you ever seen a purple carrot? How about white, yellow, or red? Most people haven’t, even though such carrots have existed for hundreds of years. You may see them in the future, however. Recent research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that pigments in these colorful carrots, which taste just like regular carrots, may help prevent heart disease and cancer, and reduce cholesterol.

Ten scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences have been named Vilas Associates for 2000-2001. The appointment provides $10,000 in research funding each year for two years.

Bob Williams, a retired state ag official, and Ag Source/CRI will be honored for their contributions to the University of Wisconsin Madison Farm and Industry Short Course at the annual alumni reunion in Madison Saturday, Jan. 27. The reunion will be held at Jingles restaurant, 232 E. Olin Ave., across from the Dane County Alliant Center.