Mow or spray to keep brush out of CRP fields?

[NonTypicalCPA]

I'm taking over maintenance of 40 acres of crp fields that need to be kept brush free. I'm debating on buying a larger chopper for my Kubota L6060, or a sprayer, but am looking for recommendations. I currently have a 6' chopper and was looking at a Rhino 10' batwing. But they are a large investment and in my research I came across some guys opinion that spraying would be a better route. Thoughts?

 

[5030]

Here in Michigan (at least), you cannot legally mow any CRP set aside except once yearly. Better check with your local extension agent first.

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

Here in Michigan (at least), you cannot legally mow any CRP set aside except once yearly. Better check with your local extension agent first.

SW Michigan here. You're correct, this is a once annual mowing or spraying contract.

 

[Minsid]

Cannot offer any advice on what is more efficient but if the goal of the CRP program is wildlife habitat I'd go with mowing over herbicides.

 

[NonTypicalCPA]

Cannot offer any advice on what is more efficient but if the goal of the CRP program is wildlife habitat I'd go with mowing over herbicides.

It is for bird nesting habitat - good point.

 

[old and tired]

Can you wrap a chain around the trunk and rip it out? I've won a war against "Tree of Heaven" (from He11) but it took 5 years of spraying...

 

[oldnslo]

Not familiar with how CRP works but do you have to keep the brush and trees from growing to maintain farm field status? If not wouldn’t the brush be beneficial for birds?

 

[Williy]

You can make a natural weed killer with vinegar, salt, dish soap etc
You can choose one from here:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=natural+weed+killer

willy

 

[scootr]

I find spraying is more effective on one weed than another or one weed comes back quicker. Resulting in a dominant weed infestation. I vote for mowing

 

[loggin]

I find it a bit perplexing that spraying herbicide is even allowed in a bird nesting habitat. Kind of goes against what the intention is...? Or am I missing something here....

 

[dieselscout80]

I wonder if mowing mostly and then maybe spray in the fall if needed when the brush/weeds are storing nutrients in their roots and the nesting is over with?

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2015-07-16/pdf/2015-17317.pdf

‘‘Permissive Uses.’’ The intent is to ensure that CRP land is not used for activities that would tend to defeat the conservation purposes of CRP, while allowing limited activities that are consistent with CRP goals, such as grazing to control invasive species. Permissive uses must be consistent with the conservation of soil, water quality, and wildlife habitat, including habitat during the nesting season for certain categories of birds in the area."

"Nesting season means the nesting season for birds in the local area that are economically significant, in significant decline, or conserved in accordance with Federal or State law."

 

[j13smiley]

Appears to be an expensive upgrade that will only get used once per year...?

 

[CliffordK]

Are there certain invasive species you wish to target? Perhaps talk to the state extension service.

 

[Hay Dude]

My 30 years of experience with this has shown me more frequent mowings result in less weeds, BUT it must be frequent AND it takes years.

Spraying has an immediate effect. Mowing is a slow effect.

 

[forgeblast]

We did CREP, just finished 15 years. we were allowed one small access lane to mow and the rest we planted trees on. We were not allowed to mow and had to spray invasives or keep them under control. It was with our department of ag, so i would contact them and see if there is a time they recommend to mow.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I have nothing to add except for if you are only cutting once a year, and you don't have another use for a larger cutter, I would just keep the 6'. The 10 foot would be faster but that's a lot of expense to shave half a day off a 2 day annual project. But, you may have more disposable income than I do,