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What would you do with more pasture grass?
Grow a pound of weeds, lose a pound of grass. Control a pound of weeds, gain a pound or more of usable forage. It really is that simple, says Corteva Agriscience Range & Pasture field scientist Jodie Crose, Ph.D.
And while an extra pound of grass may not sound like much, those pounds can add up, usually doubling to tripling forage in trials.
“If forage production is the goal, any plant that isn’t adding to the forage production in that pasture is competing with the other forage species that are,” Crose explains. “That’s why pasture weed control is one of the primary tactics to consider when trying to optimize pasture production.”
Consider, for example, potential added grazing days gained simply by removing low-value, undesirable plants:*
- In a continuous grazing system, pasture weed control efforts can extend the grazing season by up to 30 days.
- In a rotational grazing system, pasture weed control efforts can extend the grazing season by up to 45 days.
*The above scenarios assume implementation of an effective broadleaf weed control program in a pasture that previously had 30% of its dry matter in weed pressure.
But, wait, there’s more.
“There have been many studies over the years that have shown the value of removing undesirable pasture plants for increased production of desirable species,” Crose says. “But one of the best methods we’ve found for increasing pasture production involves a combination of weed control and fertilization all in one.”
UltiGraz℠ Pasture Weed & Feed does just that. Corteva trials show forage production increased to 5.5 tons per acre when treated with a herbicide compared with only 2.3 tons/A when no herbicide was applied. “That’s a 133% increase in grass yield potential for livestock to benefit from,” Crose explains. Shen also notes that environmental factors will play a role in forage production each year.
What would you do with up to 133% more grass in your pastures?
- Increase carrying capacity? Expand the herd without adding acres.
- Extend the grazing season? Shorten the hay-feeding season.
- Reduce reliance on purchased feed? Grazed forage is your lowest-cost feed source.
- Stockpile more standing forage? Provide low-cost winter grazing.
- Put up more hay? Buy less winter feed; sell extra hay; or establish a drought reserve.
- Rent fewer acres? Make existing acres more productive.
The bottom line? More grass means greater flexibility and opportunity for your cattle operation.
“No matter how you look at it, forage production is a foundation to a successful cattle operation,” Crose says. “This is especially evident in years with heavy precipitation. It’s easy to complain about the problems rain can cause, but nobody complains about a healthy, green pasture.”
Learn more about maximizing pasture production and calculate your potential herbicide return on investment at RangeAndPasture.com.
℠ Service mark of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. UltiGraz℠ with fertilizer is available for use with specific herbicides in the states of AL, AR, CO, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, KS, KY, LA, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NV, OK, OR, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV and WY. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Always read and follow label directions.