Spraying

When land comes out of management the first thing to appear are weeds, this is not to say that they don’t grow at other times but they can get more of a hold when there isn’t any form of management.

Some weeds are poisonous to stock, especially horses, these include ragwort and buttercups. Most of these weeds are at there most dangerous when they have flowered and died, at this time they generally become palatable to stock, this is why ragwort and buttercup are not very good in hay/haulage crops. Weeds will also spread and compete with the grass growth thus reducing the quality and amount of grazing. Weeds need to be controlled and this is achieved in two ways.

The first is to top (cut) the weeds before they have a chance to seed, which stops them spreading. This is a good method to keep control of a small amount of weeds.

The second is to spray chemicals using a tractor mounted sprayer. Over the years massive advances have been made in, more environmental spray chemicals, and application methods. There are sprays available to combat the weeds on more of an individual basis which makes them safer to use and safer towards the surrounding environment.

Please contact Paddockdoctors for further information and advice. Our operators are fully trained and hold the relevant licences.