As spring approaches, vegetation managers will begin readying for another spray season. This includes ordering herbicides, setting schedules and checking equipment for proper functionality. An important step in this process, that is often overlooked, is calibration. Properly setting up your herbicide sprayer is crucial for effective weed control and helps to prevent application errors. This article will walk you through the necessary preparatory steps to take in order to ensure you are getting the best results every time.... Read more

Increase Grass Production and Grazeable Acres with Prickly Pear Control  Prickly pear cactus is a common invasive species that typically invades rangelands in the Southwest United States. Prickly pear can reach high densities, limiting forage diversity as well as forage production on rangelands throughout the Southwest. This causes the species to drive many weed and brush control decisions for land managers. ... Read more

Drought recovery is a gradual process that requires strategic management to ensure pastures are resilient in their fight to regain health and productivity. Effective pasture management is crucial for drought recovery. Quality strategies should be used to restore your pastures and ensure long-term sustainability. Drought conditions have overtaken thousands of acres of grazing pastures in the United States this year. Per the October 29, 2024, USDA drought monitor, 62 percent of the nation's beef cattle are in intense drought conditions. Forage-based operations, like hay and alfalfa, are in 63 to 65 percent intense drought conditions. These drought conditions have created much worry for the rancher. Cattle have been sold due to the loss of forage production, limiting pasture carrying capacity. Hay production, for winter feeding has dropped significantly, leaving the rancher searching for hay to purchase, which in itself has been a difficult task. Just two weeks ago, I had a rancher approach me asking if I knew where he could buy some bales of hay. The rancher said he wouldn't mind driving to purchase some hay because he had some good cows and didn't want to sell them. Sadly, this is the state many are in, and it truly is a dilemma. The question then arises, what can ranchers do after the drought lifts to ensure the best recovery for their grazing spaces? The following practical strategies can assist your efforts.  ... Read more

Discover how herbicide treatments can be effective, even in the coldest months.... Read more