Tips to set pastures up for success
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It is never too early to start planning. Now is a great time to think about pasture management and develop a plan that will help you maximize your grazing program next year.
The best way to make positive management decisions that can improve pasture and rangeland in the new year is to understand current conditions. How much standing stubble remains? If weather or grazing stress has thinned stands, reconsider stocking rates or adjust rotational grazing schedules. Dormant-season brush control can be a great way to make hay — so to speak — during the winter months, if snow or standing water don’t prevent proper application. What weeds were where? You typically know the weedy spots. Get a treatment plan in place — moisture will germinate biennial weeds and initiate perennial regrowth, often earlier than we think.
“If you couldn’t get out and treat weeds during the fall, start early in the spring,” says Scott Flynn, Ph.D., a field scientist with Corteva Agriscience. “Have a plan in place to take out weedy competition once those cool-season grasses start to green up.”
Using a residual herbicide early in the season, such as DuraCor® herbicide, stops the weeds that are up and growing while providing control of those that germinate later. This extended control will help stop weeds throughout the season, preserving moisture and allowing grasses to get a head start on the weeds.
To develop a pasture management plan and discuss herbicide selection, connect with your local Extension agent, ag chem dealer or applicator, or contact your local Corteva Agriscience Range & Pasture Specialist.
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™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. Under normal conditions, DuraCor® is nonvolatile. DuraCor has no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock, including lactating dairy cows, horses (including lactating mares) and meat animals prior to slaughter. Label precautions apply to forage treated with DuraCor and to manure and urine from animals that have consumed treated forage. DuraCor is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Consult the label for full details. Always read and follow label directions. © 2020 Corteva.
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