Country Selector
Tackling grassland weeds this autumn
Farmers looking to replenish silage stocks, particularly where clamps were opened early to feed cows during the summer drought, can clean up their swards by first getting rid of perennial weeds such as docks, buttercups and nettles.
“The current warm, moist conditions are ideal for grass growth and will mean there will be a lot of late silage cuts,” says Ryan Came-Johnson, field technical manager for Corteva Agriscience.
“But these are also ideal conditions for weeds to grow and tackling them before cutting will increase forage yields and quality.
“In particular, there are two new grassland herbicides, ProGrass™ and ProClova® XL from Corteva, with new active ingredients, which are good for treating perennial weeds at this time of year.”
Where clover is not desired, but docks, nettles and buttercups are growing rapidly, an application of ProGrass will give long-lasting control. It has a fast-acting formulation and can be applied until 30 October. A short, seven-day cutting interval, makes this a good choice when time is running out to take a silage cut.
Where clover is required for its nitrogen-fixing and forage quality benefits, ProClova XL can be used to tackle established docks.
“ProClova has a short seven day grazing interval, meaning animals can quickly return to the field. However, it works relatively slowly inside the weeds, so it is best to leave at least 21 days before cutting,” Ryan advises.
“ProClova, which also controls chickweed and buttercups, can also be used until 31 October, as long as temperatures are forecast to be above 8o centigrade from three days before, to three days after application.”
If spear or creeping thistles are the main problem in fields used for grazing cattle or sheep, Forefront® T can be used. There is no cut-off date for Forefront T applications, so where ground conditions remain suitable, it can be applied until the end of the year, even in fields previously cut for silage, once all cuts have been taken.
In the following year, any forage made from Forefront-treated fields must remain on the farm. Any manure from livestock fed on this must also remain on the farm and it can only be spread onto agricultural grassland.
Quickly clean up weedy fields to make the most of late cut silage
More information from
Ryan Came-Johnson, Field Technical Manager for Grassland, Corteva M: 07795 256896. E: ryan.camejohnson@corteva.com
Notes to editors
Use herbicides safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For warning signs and symbols refer to the label.
ProClova XL contains florpyrauxifen-benzyl (Rinskor) and amidosulfuron. ProGrass contains halauxifen-methyl (Arylex), fluroxypyr and triclopyr. Forefront T contains aminopyralid and triclopyr.
About Corteva
Corteva, Inc. is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximising productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognised brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfils its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at https://www.corteva.com/uk
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Media Contact:
Sara Gregson
Sara Gregson Marketing Communications
t: 01799 530934 m: 07768 764062 e: sara@saragregson.co.uk