Spray-grazing to remove weeds

Overview

Annual broadleaf weeds, if present, reduce the value of sub-clover based pastures for livestock production. Spray-grazing is an effective tactic to reduce weeds, but only if the herbicide and grazing interventions are well managed.

If spray-grazing is carried out correctly, it can lift livestock productivity, while becoming a valuable weed management tool.

Learning objectives

At the completion of this module producers will be able to:

understand how to best utilise spray-grazing within their production system
confidently identify the seasonal timing to undertake spray-grazing
understand the risks associated with spray-grazing.

References and more information

Brogden J (2020) Spray grazing – Turning weeds into feed, 2019 SFS Trial Results Autumn 2020. Southern Farming Systems.
Evans PM, Smith RS, Carpenter JA and Koen TB (1989) Tolerance of subterranean clover cultivars and balansa clover to selective herbicides in Tasmania, Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 29(6), 785–789.
Sandral G and Dear B (2005) Weed control options in annual pasture legumes, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.
MLA fact sheet: How do I decide if herbicides should be applied to improve a pasture?

Authors

Lisa Miller and Jess Brogden, Southern Farming Systems
Cam Nicholson, Nicon Rural Services