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Noxious Weed Awareness Week
June 2-8, 2024
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Grazing and Mechanical Techniques for Weed Management
Grazing can be a powerful tool for managing weeds, especially in areas where herbicides can't be used. Different grazing animals have different grazing styles and preferences, and some weeds are ignored by grazing animals and compete for water and nutrients with preferred forage species. When grazing treatments are combined with other control techniques like herbicides or biocontrol, it forms a powerful and potent cocktail that can reduce severe infestations and eliminate small infestations. Mechanical weed control is a physical method that prevents unwanted plant growth by removing, injuring, or killing weeds. It's the oldest and most common weed control method in the world. Mechanical weed control methods use physical implements to remove, injure, or kill weeds, or make growing conditions unfavorable. These methods include:
Tilling: Uses a tractor to slice, chop, or uproot small weeds
Cultivation: Uses a tractor to undercut weeds between crop rows
Mowing: Uses a tractor to mow weeds
Hand hoeing: Uses a hand hoe to remove weeds
Hand removal: Uses hands to remove weeds
Flame weeding: Uses propane-fueled weeders to damage weed foliage with intense heat
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MSU Extension advises caution for livestock feeding or grazing weeds during drought
Due to the extended drought in Montana, water availability in many areas has become severely limited. Reservoirs have dried up and are becoming covered in weeds. Montana State University Extension educators are cautioning livestock managers to evaluate weed feed and grazing land for nitrate toxicity during drought.
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Canada Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Canada thistle is a perennial plant that grows from a vigorous, spreading root system. It grows up to 4 feet in height with multiple branches growing from a single, heavily ridged stem. The spiny leaves are deeply lobed, oblong, and up to 6 inches in length. Stem leaves are clasping and alternate. Each stem produces several flowerheads armed with small spines. The flowers are small and lavender to purple in color; male and female flowers grow on separate plants (dioecious). The smooth, light-brown seeds bear a white plume of hairs.
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Click to watch video.
“Neversink Farm, Gardening Basics” is a series of videos intended for backyard gardeners growing food for the family and for enjoyment. Follow along as I use my many years of experience as a farmer to grow vegetables in my family garden
Click to watch video.
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Activities & Helpful Websites |
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Montana Weed Control Association
The Montana Weed Control Association (MWCA) is a member-supported non-profit organization.
MWCA members are dedicated to terrestrial and aquatic invasive species management. Our members include professional weed managers representing many government agencies, private and commercial applicators, non-governmental organizations and concerned citizens.
Our goal is to facilitate long-term, ecologically based, integrated noxious weed management programs throughout Montana.
Learn more and help us keep Montana naturally beautiful…
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