Managing invasive weeds and brush in permanent pasture and grazed rangeland requires a proactive approach as any untreated acres ultimately lead to less productive land and lost profit potential.
By using herbicides as part of an integrated pasture management plan, you can reduce undesirable and invasive weeds, brush and trees in pastures that can alter native ecosystems and even poison your animals. Many common invasive weeds in Western Canada, such as tansy ragwort, tall buttercup and hoary alyssum, are poisonous to livestock. While cattle will generally avoid toxic plants because of their bitter taste, poisonings can often occur early or late in the season when desirable forage plants are in shorter supply1.
In addition to improving the health of your herd, exercising good pasture management will help you increase grass production on your acres and boost profit potential while creating a sustainable grazing resource for the future.
Increasing grass production and managing it well is an excellent way to enhance pasture productivity. By maximizing grass growth, you can extend your cattle grazing period in the fall and allow them to graze earlier in the spring, which reduces winter feed costs and directly benefits your bottom line.
More grass also contributes to:
According to the Beef Cattle Research Council, bushes, forbs and shrubs provide habitat for wildlife and can make up over 20 per cent of livestock’s diet on rangelands2.
By implementing an integrated pasture management plan that includes techniques such as grazing rotations, herbicide applications, fertility analysis, mechanical brush management and regular pasture health assessments, you can better control undesirable and invasive weeds, brush and trees. Herbicide applications reduce invasive weeds, brush and tree encroachment that can alter native ecosystems. This will also help preserve native species of grass, bushes, forbs and shrubs and make an overall positive impact on the environment.
Corteva Agriscience™ Range & Pasture products can help you effectively manage invasive weeds, brush and trees while providing an overall return on investment. When compared with other methods of pasture rejuvenation, Restore™ NXT with Rinskor™ active, Restore™ II, Reclaim™ II and Grazon™ XC provide a timelier increase in grass production and extended weed, shrub and tree control.
Ensure your acres are not left untreated and increase grass production in your pastures. By implementing an integrated pasture management plan that includes herbicides, you can help your pasture achieve its grass production potential, improve your bottom line, boost your herd's overall health and create sustainable grazing resources for future generations.
Corteva Agriscience™ Range & Pasture. Trusted. Effective. Solutions.
1https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/features/beware-of-toxic-plants-in-pastures/
2https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/weed-brush-control-in-pastures/