Irish Owned
This post was written by
Sophia Kingston| Graduate Agri Advisor with McLaughlins Farmcare
Timmy Crowley is a dairy farmer located at Careys Cross near Bandon, Co. Cork. Timmy was the winner of the Grass10 Grassland farmer of the year 2017. He knows the importance of maximising grass utilisation for grazing and silage. Weed control is of huge importance on this farm. Timmy knew it was a priority to control the weeds at the right time. Here 16 acres of broad-leaved docks, chickweed and dandelion are controlled using Forefront T.
On this recently acquired support block in Bandon, we see an unbelievable result from Forefront T, used at the recommended rate. Timmy said that “The docks withered away to nothing”.
Weed-infested grazing pastures are now approaching the stage for treatment. When it comes to product selection, Forefront T is a perfect choice.
It contains the most advanced chemistry in weed control technology. It is powerful on docks, thistles, nettles and other pernicious weeds such as buttercups and dandelions, making it the ideal all-purpose weed killer. Forefront T is also highly effective on ragwort.
Apply Forefront T as a single application at two litres/ha in 200-300 litres water/ha. Keep stock off the pasture for seven days after spraying. Forefront T does not result in any check to grass growth.
“April and May are the ideal months to spray docks in grazing pastures. If docks have gone beyond the correct stage, it is best to top them and wait for three weeks to spray with Forefront T.
Using the right weed-killer and spraying at the right time is crucial to effective dock control. Using a product that will not damage grass growth and silage yields is another vital consideration.
According to Sophia Kingston with McLaughlin’s Farmcare, timing has a huge bearing on the level of control. She said the ideal time to spray with Forefront is when docks are six to eight inches high or across and before a seed head begins to show. This is called the rosette stage.
Thistles should have four to 10 leaves and be 15-25 cm high. Spray nettles before flowering.
If ragwort is among the target weeds, keep the stock off the treated area until the plant has fully died and disappeared.
If you wish to learn more about Weed Killer in Grazing Pastures please contact the team at McLaughlins
