While much of the discussion in agriculture has focused upon the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO), particularly BT com hybrids, there are other issues that should be considered as weed management plans are formulated for 2001. It is very likely that a major factor that will influence herbicide efficacy and degradation, and thus weed populations, is the lack of soil moisture. Dry conditions were prevalent throughout much of Iowa during the late summer and fall2000. How the 2001 season begins will be most influential on herbicide phytotoxicity to seedling crops, the potential for herbicide carryover from 2000, the interaction of residual herbicides and products applied in 2001, and the effectiveness of the herbicides. The lack of certainty and predictability of the weather dictates that several options for weed management be developed, and that growers maintain flexibility in weed management programs. Locking in a specific weed management plan early in the winter may be less than desirable. While convenient, and likely to provide some economic incentives, the lack of adaptability to changes in the environment places great risk on accepting a specific company weed management plan early in 2001.