04/27/15 Wet Weather Gives Rise To Weeds

According to David Fernandez, cooperative extension program livestock specialist at UAPB, the extremely wet spring has kept many ranchers out of their pastures so now is the time to control pasture weeds.  Fernandez says it may not be too late to control buttercup, the first weed to emerge, wild garlic or wild onions and thistles. Some common pasture weeds respond well to late winter or early Spring herbicide treatment.  Spraying now for buttercup prevents pastures from turning yellow with buttercup flowers.  Thistles are best treated in the rosette stage before the flower stalks begin to grow. 

 Two common, toxic Arkansas weeds, bitter sneeze weed and wooly croton, are best controlled in May and June. Fernandez says weeds harm livestock in many ways.  They compete with desirable pasture grasses and legumes for nutrients.  They may be unpalatable, livestock will not eat them so less feed is available In the pasture.  Some may be toxic to livestock while others can cause Injuries and pain if they have thorns. Mowing, grazing, improving soil fertility and herbicide spraying are among the ways to control weeds.