Wild Proso Millet
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

Do you have Wild Proso Millet on your farm?
Late summer is a good time to identify grassy weeds because they often have seed heads. Wild proso millet is present in NY and can be a problem weed in sweet corn and other vegetable crops. Wild proso millet is a large tufted annual grass with erect stems branching from the base. It may grow up to 2 m tall and is often nearly as tall as sweet corn.
The PDF below provides more characteristics of wild proso millet and photos. If you have questions on the identification or control of this weed on your farm, please contact Julie Kikkert.
See more characteristics and photos (pdf; 163KB)

Upcoming Events
Chipping Potato and Field Crops Twilight Meeting
August 27, 2026
Dansville, NY
This year, our field meeting is bringing together field crops and chipping potatoes. SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Specialist Katelyn Miller will lead a field crops management discussion. Hear the latest updates in potato disease control and see the Cornell chipping potato variety trial run by Walter De Jong. Dinner follows the educational event.
1.5 DEC credits available in 10, 1a, 21, and 23.
IPM Field Day for Urban Growers
September 10, 2026
Buffalo, NY
Join us for a hands-on field day exploring integrated pest management and season extension tools for urban growing spaces and the opportunity to build community with local growers!
This event will focus on best practices for using row covers and rat mitigation. Check out our CCE demonstration trial using insect exclusion netting to manage swede midge, an invasive fly that causes damage to brassica crops. Explore how to identify rat activity, reduce attractants, and strengthen site management. Hear from local growers on how they manage pests with a focus on organic management and how they extend the season on their farms and gardens.