On June 14, Iowa State University extension entomologists put out a Pest Alert to scout for true armyworm because of statewide reports of this pest feeding on crops. In addition, there have been multiple reports, primarily coming out of northeast Iowa, regarding true armyworm feeding in hay and pastures. Now is the time to scout to determine if a treatment is warranted.
Plant Injury
With the steady growth and production of pasture forages across the state comes the steady appearance and growth of the nuisance pasture weed, multiflora rose (MFR). Due to its unpalatability, most grazing species will not consume MFR, allowing it to continue growing throughout the season and outcompete other forage species and remain persistent.
As spring inches its way closer and pastures begin to green up, it is important to pay attention to the weed pressure that may start to pop up too. There are many options for managing weeds in a pasture system; however, it is important to understand the pros and cons of each management option and choose the one(s) that will best work for your personal operation.
As pastures begin to green up, unwanted weeds may start to pop up too. Early spring is an excellent time to clean up biennials, winter annuals, and some perennials present in pastures. This article will focus on management considerations for weeds we might find in the early spring.
The dry conditions in parts of the state in 2022 put extra stress on pastures. Consequently, some pastures may have been grazed shorter than cattlemen would have liked. Additionally, nitrogen prices continue to rise as well as all costs associated with pasture management. As we head into the 2023 growing season, here are some considerations to help improve over-grazed and thin pastures, boost forage production, and help to manage pasture management costs.
Fall is one of the best times for managing perennial and biennial weeds found in pastures or other areas maintained in perennial grass. As perennials prepare for the upcoming winter, they move energy reserves from shoots to their perennial vegetative reproductive structures (e.g. rhizomes, perennial rootstocks).
