Hay field care

Farmer2750 · May 29, 2016

Hey guys, I'm looking for opinions on what would be the best to spray a hay field/meadow that is growing up with some weeds and also possibly fertilize it. I have about 7 acres to do.

quicksandfarmer · May 29, 2016

Get your soil tested, then consult with your county extension agent about what amendments it needs. Healthy soil means healthy grass and less weeds.

flusher · May 30, 2016

quicksandfarmer said:
Get your soil tested, then consult with your county extension agent about what amendments it needs. Healthy soil means healthy grass and less weeds.

+1:thumbsup:

You need to identify the weed species in your hayfield to determine the best herbicide(s) to use.

Alternatively, you could mow the field to 3" height, use a broad spectrum herbicide like Roundup (glyphosate) to burn down all the vegetation and start your pasture renovation from that point.

Good luck

Ed of all trades · May 30, 2016

quicksandfarmer said:
Get your soil tested, then consult with your county extension agent about what amendments it needs. Healthy soil means healthy grass and less weeds.

Listen to him he knows what he is talking about. Unless you just want to spend some money. Ed

RedNeckRacin · May 30, 2016

Yupp, soil test is usually less than 10 bucks and will tell you exactly what the ground needs.

leeave96 · May 30, 2016

Soil sample as others mentioned. Weeds - look at what you have. A good benchmark is 2,4-d. Look at what it kills and doesn't kill. From there, expand out to other herbicides. Also be mindful of residuals if the hay is going off your property.

Good luck,
Bill

DogT · May 30, 2016

I've found that without animals on the field, mowing it at least 3 times a season will do wonders for the weeds. Lime and fertilizer if tested will help, but still be more expensive than just mowing if you've got the equipment.

Creamer · May 30, 2016

I love you guys - giving the advice to use Hank Kimball. I have tried many times but I have never found a county agent that knew anything. The answer I typically got is here's a brochure on how to package it and where to send it. A soil test around here does not come in under $10 - it is about $30 and it is done by an outside lab - not the ag college or anybody having anything to do with the extension program.

Creamer · May 30, 2016

I have found a mixture of 2,4-D and Trimec to do a nice job on a variety of weeds I have had in grass. It is kind of rough on alfalfa and clover if you want to keep them though.

I prefer to apply late, i.e. after the last cutting but while it is still growing some. I seem to have better effectiveness this way.

As DogT mentioned - mowing to keep the weeds from going to seed for a year or two can be quite effective unless you have a perennial like Canadien Thistle.

RPW · Jun 3, 2016

Soil test for sure. As far application I've either used GrazonNext-HL or a more comon 2-4-d supplied by the company I get my fertilizer from (don't know the name right now). As long as I get a good spread of fertilizer and broadleaf killer I'm almost down to zero weeds in my fields. Probably accounts for the best growth this year.