The Management Program: Few weeds arise under good systems of pasture
management. Overgrazing, inferior pasture grasses, low fertility, lack of
clipping and general neglect reduce pasturage and lead to weedy pastures,
especially with butterweed in late winter and spring. Naturally, prolonged
cold, wet periods and freezes thin the pasture grass, thus reducing forage
quality and stocking capacity. If forage is scarce, a pasture supplement
should be provided.

 The Chemical Program: Butterweed can be controlled with chemicals known
as herbicides. Actively growing weeds are most readily killed by herbicides.
Recommended procedures are as follows:

 1. Unless forage is very short or butterweed very thick,
 do not spray pastures until the biggest butterweed plants make a
 rosette about 10 inches in diameter.

 2. Apply 2,4-D (amine salt or low-volatile ester) at the
 rate of 1 to 1-1/2 lb/A. acid equivalent (1 to 1-1/2 quarts of a
 4 lb/gallon formulation). The 2,4-D should be sprayed in 10 to 30
 gallons of water per acre with flat-fan "weed" nozzles at low
 pressure (10 to 30 psi).

 3. If sprays are applied in February, it may be necessary
 to spray again in late March or April if additional seed germinate
 and new plants come up.

 4. It is desirable to remove cattle before spraying pastures
 and to hold them off for about a week. Remove cattle if they eat
 dying or dead butterweed.

 5. Apply 2,4-D with appropriate caution if pastures are near
 vegetables or other sensitive crops.

 6. Consult your county agent, experiment station or veterinarian
 for additional information.















EES 63-15


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