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Last year’s drought could mean more weeds

Weed problems may explode this year because of too much grazing last summer on drought-affected land.

“Because pastures were overgrazed, there will be increased weed pressure this spring,” said Valerie Tate, an agronomist for the University of Missouri Extension Service, “because of the open canopy that that overgrazing has left.”

Overgrazed pastures stunt plant roots and allow weeds to fill in open spaces, said Tate, who recommends adopting grazing plans that give pastures some rest, making them stronger and healthier.

“Livestock aren’t repeatedly grazing the same plant over and over day after day,” said Tate, “and that gives the plants a chance to recover both leaf area and for their root reserves to recover.”

Cattle producers can get technical help with grazing plans from a cooperative program between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and MU Extension.