Some pertinent thoughts from Wade Paterson down in the deep deep South on Brassica and new pasture establishment etc

Down here in the Deep South farmers are starting to work up brassica ground and old run out pastures in preparation for sowing new pasture.

While it is yet still a little early ground temperature wise to sow grass and clover seed, ground preparation is very important part of establishing a successful pasture sward.

Most farmers spray out old pasture and brassica ground with glyphosate prior to working the soil to get rid of unwanted grasses and weeds. A new option available this season is to add Sharpen to the glyphosate mix and this will extend the broadleaf weed spectrum and give a much faster brownout than glyphosate alone.

A well worked firm soil free of clods and trash is the ideal seed bed in which to sow your pasture mix once soil temperatures hit double figures.

However it is important to remember that the job doesn't finish once the seed is in the ground. Having spent over $200 per hectare on a good grass and clover seed mix it is important that farmers protect that investment as best they can. Post sow monitoring plays a vital part in the successful establishment of the new pasture. Competition from broadleaf weeds can have a major impact on the long term success of the new pasture and should weeds be an issue the earlier they are controlled the better the grass will be.

One of the most successful options for early weed control is Pulsar a proven herbicide that is clover safe, has a wide weed spectrum and can be used very early after pasture emergence.

Farmers should talk to their rural supply field rep for the best weed control options to suit their particular situation.