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
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Seneca
July 29, 2026
Romulus, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 10, 1a, 23 and 24.
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Field Meeting for Auction Growers -- Yates
July 31, 2026
Himrod, NY
A field walk will demonstrate pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. CCE Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist Judson Reid will identify weeds, insects and diseases in vegetables and will go over management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting, and where appropriate, spray options.
DEC recertification credits available: 2.0 in categories 10, 1a, 23 and 24.
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.