How to control weeds in horse grazed paddocks without Clopyralid

Due to recent changes to the approvals of Clopyralid, weed control products containing this active ingredient should not be used in horse grazed paddocks. This is as a result of Clopyralid remaining present in horse manure and it then causing issues where it is then spread around sensitive plants.

There are many different weed control options that can be used within your paddock to help gain control of common paddock weeds such as docks and thistles.

Controlling Docks Without Clopyralid

April is the perfect month for controlling docks while they are at their leafy, rosette stage of growth. The warmer conditions that we get throughout this month allow for the plant to have some active growth making them perfect for being sprayed. If you are planning on cutting the paddock, ensure that you spray the docks 1 month before the cut to ensure that the herbicide has a chance to work its way all the way down to the roots.

Thrust is a great Clopyralid free option for controlling docks in grazed paddocks. 

• Also effective on thistles, chickweed, nettle and buttercup 
• Can be grazed again after 2 weeks or cut after 4 weeks
• Safe to grass, no manure restrictions like there are with Clopyralid products
• Can be diluted down to 3.5L of Thrust in 200L of water to cover 1 hectare

The Best Option for Controlling Thistles

Thistles, like with docks, need to be targeted when they are actively growing to ensure that it takes in the most herbicide to distribute around the plant. The best time to apply weed control to thistles is at the early flower bud stage before they start fully flowering. Thrust can again be used for controlling these weeds however another great product to use in this situation is PastureMaster.

• Works at controlling both Creeping Thistle and Spear Thistle
• Can be grazed after a minimum of 2 weeks or cut after 4 weeks
• This product, as with Thrust, is safe for grass and has no manure restrictions 
• Apply as a dilution of 3.5L of PastureMaster in 200L of water to cover 1 hectare

Effective Ways of Controlling Ragwort in Paddocks

Ragwort is a troublesome weed within paddocks and pasture due to it being potentially fatal to livestock and horses if grazed. This weed should be controlled when it is actively growing and before it progresses passed the rosette growth stage. Thrust and Validate is an ideal option for ragwort control as the Validate adjuvant helps the Thrust to break through the waxy, shiny ragwort leaves.

• Ragwort is best sprayed when it is young and actively growing 
• Thrust, tank mixed with the adjuvant Validate is the ideal option for ragwort control in horse and pony pasture
• Horses and other livestock should not be re-introduced to the area until the ragwort has fully died back or completely recovered as it becomes much more palatable while in the process of dying. This process can take up to 6 weeks.