Early Spring Grassland Weed Control!

As temperatures rise and soil moisture remains high, perennial and biennial weeds like docks, thistles and nettles begin active growth, competing aggressively with grass for light, nutrients and moisture.

Left unmanaged, they can significantly reduce pasture productivity.

A planned, long-term approach to spring weed control is essential to maintain productive grassland.

Benefits of early weed control:

• Improve grass yields (severe infestations can reduce yields by 10–20%.)
• Enhance silage quality
• Support livestock health
• Maximise grazing efficiency: better pasture utilisation
• Extend pasture lifespan

Key weeds to watch:

Docks – thrive in fertile grassland but only offer around two-thirds of the feed value of grass.
Thistles – aggressive spreaders through extensive underground roots and compete strongly with grass, difficult to time control
Nettles – spread rapidly and render pasture unpalatable, reducing grazing efficiency. As perennial weeds, they can grow from both seed or root portion, so are very invasive.

Grassland Weed Control Options for 2026:

• Clayton Cocoon: 400 g/L clopyralid
• Clayton Docker: 150 g/L fluroxypyr + 150 g/L triclopyr
• Clayton Flurry: 200 g/L fluroxypyr
• Clayton Florin: 200 g/L fluroxypyr
• Clayton Galley: 100 g/L fluroxypyr + 80 g/L clopyralid + 2.5 g/L florasulam
• Clayton Grazer: 60 g/L clopyralid + 240 g/L triclopyr

To support early decision-making, our updated Grassland Guide is now available, providing information on herbicide options and weed control requirements ahead of spring.

Discover more in our 2026 Grassland product range: https://bit.ly/4r7599r