This is a subscriber-only article
Ground conditions are good and farmers should be aiming to get on to grazing and silage ground to control the usual grassland weeds while the weather is on our side.
Grass growth has yet to surge ahead of grazing cattle. So while grass covers are low, there is a good opportunity to target perennial weeds in grassland.
Hitting weeds now means they will be much easier to kill off. Treating now is also recommended before they mature and turn to seed.
Typical weeds to control are docks, thistles, nettles and chickweed. Choose a product that is effective at targeting the weeds which are causing a problem. It is also a good time to mulch or spray rushes.
On clover rich swards, you will need to choose a clover safe spray if you wish to keep the plant in the sward.
Once sprayed, weeds should start to die back within a week to 10 days. Check product guidelines for a withdrawal period between spraying and allowing animals to graze swards again.
SHARING OPTIONS: