Maintaining healthy pastures is critical for supporting livestock productivity and forage quality. But weeds can threaten those goals by outcompeting desirable species, reducing grazing efficiency, and in some cases, posing toxicity risks to animals.
Over the past few years, persistent drought conditions have stressed many pastures, creating openings for weeds to become more established. If you're noticing more weeds than usual this year, you're not alone—and now is a good time to take action.
To help identify and manage common pasture weeds, check out: ISU Encyclopedia article - Recognizing and Managing Common Pasture Weeds. This article outlines how to identify, assess, and control many of the most common problem weeds in Iowa pastures, including:
- Musk thistle
- Bull thistle
- Canada thistle
- Yellow foxtail
- Horsenettle
- Multiflora rose
- Wild carrot
- Wild parsnip
- Poison hemlock
- Common burdock
- Common cocklebur
- Chicory
If any of these weeds are popping up in your pasture, don’t wait. Read the article to learn more about their impacts and control strategies—and be sure to consult your local extension agronomist for specific recommendations tailored to your operation.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on May 23, 2025. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
- Assistant Professor
- Forage Extension Specialist