Weeds in Pasture and Hay Fields

      Weeds cost ranchers in Texas millions of dollars in lost production each year because they rob desirable forages of moisture and nutrients.  This is the time of year we usually apply herbicides to our summer pastures for broadleaf weed control and a few troublesome grasses.  With the ongoing drought it is even more important to utilize all the moisture we have recently received towards forage production.  The weather forecasters continue to predict we are not done with the drought yet.  That magnifies the importance of producing maximum forage with limited rainfall we receive.

       The cooler temperatures this spring have slowed the germination of some weeds.  Also, herbicide applications have been slowed down because of the increased high winds we face in the Spring, it has kept custom applicators behind but it’s not too late to apply herbicides and still achieve good control.  Costs for herbicide plus application range from $10 - $25 per acre depending on the herbicide used and rate. Research has shown that for every one pound of weeds killed can produce up to four pounds of forage. Used in combination, herbicide and fertilizer can significantly increase more grass production.  However, herbicide alone increases grass production more than fertilizer alone.  If you have fields free from weeds, fertilizer alone is the right choice. 

        Producers are lucky in that several herbicide choices are out there that do not require a pesticide applicator license for the purchase. 

        I get questions every year about mowing weeds.  According to Texas A&M Trials mowing cost $10 to $15 per acre, or about the same as herbicide.  One difference, mowing doesn’t improve grass production since it won’t kill the weeds. 

        Pastora herbicide is used for grassbur control.  It is recommended as a post emerge application at about 1 oz. per acre.  No license is required.

        If you haven’t applied your weed killer yet, contact your custom applicator today to get on their list or get your sprayer calibrated and ready for the next wind free day. 

        Be watching for more information on a Forage Field Day we will be having sometime in the end of May or 1^st of June.  We have established herbicide plots with herbicide applications and herbicide applications impregnated in fertilizer.  We look forward to seeing you at the field day and sharing results.