Range and Pasture
By: Dow Agrisciences
As you search for ways to hold the line on costs, you need look no further than your pastures. Grazing forages is the lowest-cost way to feed your cow herd. So don’t let broadleaf weeds limit your grazing.
Consider this: Grass replaces weeds controlled pound for pound. Now consider the flexibility that comes with extra grass. Whether you increase stocking rates, extend the grazing season, feed less hay or rent less pasture, grazing forages still is the lowest-cost way to keep your cows in condition and their calves gaining. It makes good business sense to do all you can to grow all the grass you can. That starts with sound grazing management. But sometimes low-value, undesirable plants can get in the way. Eliminating weeds and other competitors is important for long-term pasture and rangeland health. Treatment will prevent seed production and can help generate a same-season return on your weed control investment.
In the springtime, target broadleaf pastureland threats, such as Canada, musk and bull thistle, dandelions, marestail, and curly dock when they are emerged and actively growing to ensure maximum herbicide uptake and root translocation. Products like GrazonNext HL or Chaparral provide superior residual weed control in pastures while having no grazing restrictions for any class of livestock.
Fall applications on certain perennial and biennial weed species, like Canada thistle, have proven to be just as effective as a spring application. Carbohydrates within the plant move from the plant foliage to the root system. This biological process helps weed control since the plant will pull the herbicide from the foliage where it’s applied to the roots, killing the entire plant and preventing regrowth next spring.
If you’re looking to control trees or brush, early spring is not the best time to do this. Trees and brush are best controlled in late spring and summer when their leaves have fully expanded and are actively growing. This allows for adequate leaf surface area to take up the herbicide effectively. Adding a high-quality non-ionic surfactant also benefits the application by helping the herbicide penetrate the leaf more efficiently.
If brush or trees have been cut or mowed, delay application for 9 – 12 months to allow for adequate regrowth to take up the herbicide.
Products like Remedy Ultra or Pasturegard HL are excellent non-residual brush control options that provide significant flexibility and superior results.
For more information on these products, contact your Stutsman rep.