Late summer / early autumn re-seeds and weed control options
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Investing in a grass reseed can be expensive, therefore young leys need the best start to fulfil their yield potential. Weeds like chickweed and docks can easily out-compete young grass. Tackling grassland weeds early makes their control easier, improves sward palatability, productivity and reduces costs in the long run, so take the chance to control them now.
Control seedling weeds in new swards with Envy®, which can be applied until 30th November. Envy outperforms straight fluroxypyr in fluctuating autumn temperatures. However, where frosts are predicted, ensure the application is made at least 14 days before cold weather sets in. If this is not feasible, wait and apply the following spring.
Apply Envy once the grass has three true leaves at 1.0 L/ha in 200L of water for the control of seedling docks and chickweed up to the flowering stage; where docks growing from root fragments are a problem, apply Envy at 1.5 L/ha in 200 L of water.
Leystar® can also be used at 1.0 L/ha in 200L of water for the control of seedling docks and chickweed, up to the flowering stage, in new leys until 31st August. Leystar will also control seedling thistle and a range of other seedling weeds.
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Forefront T use after last silage cut
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After the last cut for hay or silage of the year has been taken and the field then reverts to a grazing pasture, there is an opportunity to apply Forefront® T. However, note that any silage or hay that is produced from this field in the following calendar year must stay and be consumed on the farm and manure that results from its use must also stay on the farm.
Where these subsequent restrictions cannot be adhered to, use Doxstar® Pro which has no subsequent manure management issues.
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Docks and product options
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Autumn is a really good time to target docks with an effective translocated herbicide and it means that they won’t be competing for nutrients intended for the grass.
Reasons to control docks in the autumn:
- There is plenty of grass which meaning there is less pressure regarding stock withdrawal periods.
- Docks in silage/hay paddocks will now all be at a similar size with good leaf surface area, ideal for herbicide uptake.
- Spring is a busy period on farm, so spread the workload by actioning now.
- Spraying dock regrowth with Doxstar® Pro three to four weeks after the last silage cut is a good option.
- Give ample time to spray at least three weeks before the first frost.
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Reminder of updated use by dates for specified clopyralid containing products
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Last use of all clopyralid containing products under old MAPP numbers is 31st October 2023.
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Where you think stock of the above is on farm, then please be prompt on its use ahead of the expiry date.
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Importance of root kill when targeting grassland weeds
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Many grassland weeds have extensive roots systems. Weeds such as docks and creeping thistles can have tap roots that extend up to 1.5m and 75cm respectively. Choosing a suitable translocated product that will kill extensive roots systems is essential for long term control.
If these weeds are not controlled, they will compete with the grass for light, water, space, and nutrients whilst reducing the quality of the sward or any fodder that is produced from it.
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Advice on how to request a derogation to target weeds in stewardship strips
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Derogations are known as Minor & Temporary Adjustments or MTAs for agri-environment schemes such as Countryside Stewardship/Environmental Stewardship. They are needed if the agreement holder is deviating from the option rules e.g. weed control. MTA forms can be found on www.gov.uk.
All MTAs (derogations) go to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). If further technical advice is required by the RPA, the MTA is referred to Natural England (NE). An example would be where the MTA involves the use of pesticides. In such cases Natural England (NE) BASIS qualified advisors provide the technical sign-off. The final approval or rejection of the MTA is then determined by the RPA.
You must consider the risk of damaging other non-target plants/habitats. The main risks are damage to the agri-environment scheme option (potential recovery of scheme payment) and breaching Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture).
If insufficient supporting evidence is sent with the MTA to demonstrate that the risks have been fully assessed, then the MTA may be rejected.
A BASIS qualified agronomist should work together with the farmer and provide the supporting documentation when submitting the MTA.
Spraying should not take place until the request is approved by the RPA.
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Game cover weed control options
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Controlling weeds in game cover crops is challenging, as often there are a mixture of crop types present. Extension of Authorisations for Minor Use (EAMUs) are available to permit the use of some of our products in game cover.
Follow the link to our dedicated topic sheet that provides information on products and crops by clicking here. Please note that the use of products with an EAMU authorisation are at growers' own risk and the information is for guidance purposes only.
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Record UK maize crop needs protecting to deliver full potential
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This year’s maize crop is looking good, with big yields forecast, so it’s time to plan how to capitalise on this and protect its quality at harvest.
“Using the right additive when harvesting maize is critical to its success in the clamp but once it’s done, it’s sorted for the whole winter,” said Andy Stainthorpe, Seed & Silage Inoculants Sales Manager, UK & Ireland in our latest press release. Find out more about preserving your maize in by reading the full press release here.
Similarly, take a look at our silage inoculant decision tree below to pick an inoculant best suited to your circumstances.
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Interested in more about our silage inoculant range? Click here to visit our website.
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Q: What is the latest date of use for Leystar® on new sown leys?
A: Use Leystar before 31st August. This solution gives the best spectrum of broad leaved weeds including seedling thistles where clover presence is not a concern.
A: This is a small pack option for knapsack use with enough product to apply 8 knapsack fills of 10L of spray solution. It gives great control of docks, thistles and nettles, brambles, gorse, and broom. It can be applied through to 31st October.
Q: Is autumn a good time to spray ragwort?
A: Yes. Ragwort is a biennial so plants that will be flowering next year will be present in swards now as small vegetative plants and spraying now is the ideal time. Apply Forefront® T at 2.0 L/ha. If larger plants that have recently flowered are also present – then they will take more time to decay and so stock return can be longer as a consequence.
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Subscribing to Corteva Agriscience Forage Agronomy Update gives eligibility for 2 BASIS points.
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