Welcome to the Corteva™ Agriscience
Forage Agronomy Update
These regular technical notes come with CPD points and will help those interested in improving grassland and forage productivity on dairy, beef, sheep and equestrian enterprises. We post frequently on our social media channels, so you’ll want to make sure you’re following @CortevaForage and @CortevaUK on X and CortevaUK on Facebook.
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Autumn reseeds and weed management with Envy® | Autumn tidy-up with Grazon® Pro | Latest timing for herbicide use on established grassland | Late-season grass silage: Maximise quality with Pioneer® inoculants | End of season dock control | Applications now open for Cohort 3 of the Resilient and Ready programme | FAQs | Contact us | BASIS and NRoSO CPD points
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Autumn reseeds and weed management with Envy®
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As we head into the autumn, managing seedling weeds effectively is key to successful reseeding. If weeds emerge in September, October, or November, they can be treated with Envy, offering excellent control of seedling docks and docks growing from root fragments (1.5 L/ha rate), common chickweed, and mouse-eared chickweed.
Best practice tips:
- Apply to actively growing weeds.
- Avoid spraying during drought, extreme heat or cold, or when grass is wet.
- Clover will be killed or severely checked by Envy - plan accordingly.
- Envy performs well even as temperatures cool.
- Do not apply if ground frost is imminent or during prolonged cold or dry spells.
- After drought, allow time for weeds and grass to resume active growth before spraying.
- Keep livestock out of treated fields for a least 7 days.
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Autumn tidy-up with Grazon® Pro
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Autumn presents a great opportunity to tackle persistent weeds before winter. Nettles often show fresh leaf growth during this time, making them ideal targets for spraying. It’s also the optimum time to treat brambles, gorse, and broom, which can be more vulnerable as they prepare for dormancy.
Application guidance:
- Use a dose rate of 60 ml in 10 litres of water.
- A 1 litre pack provides enough for 16 knapsack fills (each with 10 litre capacity).
Targeting these weeds now helps ensure cleaner pastures and better grass growth in the spring.
Treatment of ragwort should be avoided. Whilst Grazon® Pro does not control ragwort, the effect of spraying can make this poisonous weed palatable to grazing animals.
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Latest timing for herbicide use on established grassland
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Active growth is a normal requirement for good translocation of herbicide into roots to achieve a good level of control.
As day length reduces and temperatures drop, active growth will slow down. In response to these changes, consideration must be made when choosing to make a recommendation or when undertaking an application. Further to this, be aware of the cut-off dates for application.
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Late-season grass silage: Maximise quality with Pioneer® inoculants
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As the silage making stretches into autumn, UK farmers face increasingly variable conditions that can impact forage quality. Whether you're harvesting wet grass after a late cut or dealing with drier material, choosing the right silage inoculant is essential to preserve nutritional value and reduce spoilage.
Late-season cuts often coincide with wetter weather, making grass more difficult to ferment. Pioneer® Brand 1188 is specifically designed for these conditions. It enhances fermentation, reduces dry matter losses, and improves aerobic stability - helping you maintain feed quality even in challenging conditions. This inoculant is ideal for grass with high moisture content and works effectively to suppress undesirable microbes that thrive in wet silage.
When harvesting dry grass, especially after a prolonged dry spell or late-season sunshine, Pioneer Brand 11G22 Rapid React is the go-to solution. It promotes rapid fermentation, minimises protein breakdown, and improves aerobic stability. This means better preservation of true protein and reduced heating in the clamp - leading to more palatable and nutritious feed for livestock.
Why use Pioneer inoculants
- Improved fermentation for better silage stability
- Reduced nutrient losses during storage
- Enhanced aerobic stability to prevent spoilage
- Tailored solutions for both wet and dry grass conditions
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End of season dock control
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In fields which have been cut, docks will have regrown well and are likely to be in perfect leafy condition for taking up herbicides. Additionally, docks are actively transporting nutrients (and herbicides) down to their roots in preparation for winter. This makes systemic herbicides more effective at killing the whole plant, including the root system, leading to better long-term control.
Treatment options
Where clover is present:
Use ProClova® XL at a rate of 125 g/ha ProClova + 250 ml/ha XL. Overnight temperatures should be forecast to stay above 8°C for three days before and after spraying. Use the ‘Temperature Check’ tool in the Corteva Forage App.
Where clover is not present:
Use ProGrass™ at 1.5 L/ha for broader spectrum weed control, including nettles and buttercups.
Where docks are the only target, apply Doxstar® Pro at 2.0 L/ha.
By eliminating docks prior to winter, grass can re-colonize bare patches previously occupied by weeds and overall productivity of the sward is greatly enhanced going into the spring.
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Applications now open for Cohort 3 of the Resilient and Ready programme
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The search is on for our next cohort of farmers who are ready to take their business to the next level.
Following the huge success of cohorts 1 and 2, LEAF and Corteva are embarking on a third round of the widely respected Resilient and Ready programme. This partnership provides training, technical advice and mentoring to support farmers in improving the sustainability and resilience of their enterprises, through extensive networks, industry connections and experience. The strength of the programme is its farmer-led and bespoke approach whilst supporting the participating farmers to share their experiences with the wider industry.
For the next cohort, LEAF and Corteva are particularly keen to hear from farmers interested in:
- Sustainable livestock production
- Pasture and homegrown feed optimisation
- Livestock integration into cropping systems
Visit our website for more information and to apply.
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When is the ideal time to target docks in the autumn?
Ensure docks are healthy and actively growing before treatment for best results.
What is the recommended application rate of ProClova XL for established grassland in autumn?
Apply 125 g/ha of ProClova® combined with 250 ml/ha of XL.
Can I use ProClova XL on newly sown leys in autumn?
No - applications must be completed by 31st July.
I have thistles, docks, and other broad-leaved weeds in grazed grassland. What should I use?
Yes - ProGrass provides excellent control of common nettles. Apply when plants are actively growing and before flowering.
Is ProGrass effective against docks in autumn?
Absolutely. During autumn, docks are translocating nutrients to their roots, which enhances the movement of ProGrass for optimal control.
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For technical enquiries contact the hotline team using the contact details below. Or click here to find the contact details of your local area manager.
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Subscribing to Corteva Agriscience Forage Agronomy Update gives eligibility for 2 CP BASIS points and/or 2 NRoSO points. To subscribe and claim your CPD points, sign up to the Forage Agronomy Update by clicking here.
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Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use. For further information including warning phrases and symbols refer to label. ®™ Trademarks Corteva Agriscience Limited and its affiliated companies. All other brand names are trademarks of other manufacturers for which proprietary rights may exist. All manufacturers trade names and trademarks are duly acknowledged. © 2025 Corteva. ProClova® XL contains florpyrauxifen-benzyl and amidosulfuron. Envy® contains fluroxypyr and florasulam. ProGrass® contains triclopyr-2-butoxyethyl ester. Grazon® Pro contains clopyralid and triclopyr. Doxstar® Pro contains triclopyr and fluroxypyr. Thistlex® contains clopyralid and triclopyr. Leystar® contains fluroxypyr, clopyralid and florasulam. Forefront® T contains aminopyralid and triclopyr.
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