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About Us
County Impact Statements - Boone County
Weed Control Improves Pastures and Hay Quality
Pasture weed control is oftentimes the most cost effective management
practice that farmers can do. Weeds rob forages of water, sunlight and nutrients
needed for growth and production. Weeds are also more aggressive than forages
and are better able to compete and survive adverse conditions. Weeds are usually
lower in nutrients and less digestible than improved forages. Another problem
associated with weeds is livestock poisoning. Some weeds also have sharp spines
(thistles) that prevent livestock from grazing close to them. Dairy producers
have the potential problem that some weeds affect the taste of milk.
The Boone County Extension Service works with producers on many weed control
strategies. These include improved management practices that favor forage
production, because if conditions that caused the weed problem are not corrected
the problem will persist. Weed control strategies include: soil fertility,
grazing management, mowing and herbicides.
The Boone County Extension Service works with forage producers on forage
management, soil sampling to determine nutrient needs and a fertilization
program for forage production, weed identification, sprayer calibration, weed
control products and rates, and Private Pesticide Applicators Training.
J. C. Methvin spraying bermuda pasture to control thistles
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Impacts
- 274 Boone County producers attended educational programs and received
educational information on forage management and weed control.
- 103 producers were trained in 2001 as Private Pesticide Applicators.
- 233 producers received a Forage and Pasture Newsletter.
- 396 soil samples representing 7,715 acres of forage and pasture land
were sent to the University of Arkansas Soil Testing Laboratory in 2001.
- Demonstrations on pasture weed control, brush control, blackberry
control, fence row weed and brush control and bermudagrass weed control have
been done by the Boone County Extension Service.
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