April 11, 2002
Preseason Grazing Can Control Weeds, Add Extra Feed
LINCOLN, Neb. — Grazing warm-season grasses earlier than normal can eliminate unwanted, early-season weeds and provide timely and valuable pasture for cattle.
Preseason grazing is becoming increasingly popular as producers strive to graze cattle longer and feed less hay, said Bruce Anderson, University of Nebraska forage specialist.
Traditionally, farmers and ranchers use herbicides and prescribed burning to control many early weeds, but grazing can work as well or better, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources specialist said.
"You can get some feed from these weeds while herbicides or burning would only kill and remove growth," Anderson said. "This early pasture is especially valuable if it saves you from feeding expensive hay."
A limited hay supply has pushed up prices and has left many producers looking for alternatives, he said.
Controlling early-season pasture weeds is important for grass growth later in the season, Anderson said. Weeds remove moisture and valuable nutrients from the soil and can reduce early pasture growth. Preseason grazing also removes last year's old growth and recycles nutrients trapped in dead plant tissue, he said.
Many producers worry that earlier grazing may damage summer grass, but this shouldn't be a concern if grazing is finished before new grass shoots get more than a couple inches tall – usually around May 1, Anderson said.
Besides the work involved in getting fences and water ready earlier and moving animals to pasture, heavy preseason grazing costs nothing, Anderson said.
"Besides saving money and the environmental benefits of not burning or using herbicides, early-season grazing can provide potential health benefits by putting cows and new calves in fresh, open, clean areas instead of calving pastures or lots," Anderson said. Grazing on the higher-quality green grass also helps get cows into shape so they can rebreed easier.
"Instead of being a nuisance, the weeds make pastures a timely and valuable option," he said.
04/11/02-SA Bruce Anderson - Ph.D
Agronomy Professor (402) 472-6237
 
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News Service (402) 472-3030
Department:
Agronomy & Horticulture
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