UGA Extension Shares Weed Control Tips as Grazing Season Approaches
As livestock producers begin evaluating grazing considerations and making management decisions for the upcoming season, early weed control is emerging as a key priority. To help producers plan ahead, Dr. Lisa Baxter with the University of Georgia shared recommendations focused on proactive pasture and hay field management.
“The summer weeds are very likely going to start showing up here before we know it,” Baxter said. “And so instead of spending that money on a post-emergent product, I would rather us think ahead to getting out a good pre-emergent.”
Pre-emergent herbicides can provide season-long control when applied correctly, but Baxter emphasized that product selection and application timing are critical. “Now most of the pre’s that we use are only going to be used on hay ground,” she explained. “Very few will recommend for use in pastures just because it greatly limits our availability of winter grazing for potentially the next two seasons, depending on the product that you use.”
Across Georgia, one pre-emergent product has become increasingly common, particularly for hay producers. “The one that we are seeing used the most statewide now, especially on hay, is sold under the trade name Resilon,” Baxter said. She cautioned that timing is essential with this product. “That product needs to go out here by Valentine’s Day at the absolute latest so that we get good season-long control.”
Another option remains available for specific forage systems. “The other option is Satellite,” Baxter noted. “That one’s been around for a while. So if you have fescue ground, that’s going to be your better option there.” Choosing the right product for the forage species and intended use can help avoid unintended impacts on future grazing opportunities.
Baxter encouraged producers not to make these decisions in isolation. “So I’d encourage you to work with your county extension agent to refine that timing a little bit,” she said. “Connect with your local chemical rep as needed.”
As producers prepare for the upcoming grazing season, early planning for weed control can reduce long-term costs and improve forage productivity. By focusing on pre-emergent strategies and working closely with Extension and industry professionals, livestock producers can position their operations for a more productive and efficient season ahead.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.