[Jacob-list] Herbicides and grazing

[Neal and Louise Grose]

I don't know what is in the fertilizers that are available for lawn use (actually, I am happy to have ANYthing green in my lawn). Anything that suppresses both broadleaved weeds and crabgrass is going to be a longlasting and potent herbicide. There are selective herbicides that are approved for use on pastures. I would avoid using 2-4D, the hold out is 4 - 6 weeks. Ally from DuPont will take out all broadleaved plants, and the recommendation is not to run over any sheep with the tractor while yo are spraying. 

Can you check with your Cooperative Extension Service to see recommendations for your area and for local applicators? 

An alternative might be to subdivide the pastures and use close grazing to remove the weeds and then reseed, allowing ample time for the grasses to establish before grazing again. Honestly, if you have a good stand of crabgrass, your good to go for summer grazing.

Neal
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Susan J Martin 
  To: Sheep E-mail List 
  Sent: Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:44 PM
  Subject: [Jacob-list] Herbicides and grazing


  We have two meadows with very little grass and an overgrowth of white clover and chickweed.  We are not "real" farmers and thus don't have the licenses required for serious herbicide application.  However, if I use a weed-b-gone type product  or similar systemic herbicide, how long should I wait after application before using the meadows safely for grazing?   Is it correct to assume that grazing would not be safe until complete die off of the weeds?  Would it also be prudent to mow the meadow several times prior to grazing?  Any advice would be appreciated.  (Neal, you're a real farmer - maybe you can help me out with this question?)
  Sue Martin
  Stonecroft




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