Managing Thistle in Your Pasture
As spring comes to an end and summer begins, weed control is on the minds of many livestock producers. Farming comes with a long to-do list, but managing weeds is something you can’t skip. If you raise livestock, you are also growing grass—and healthy grass means healthy animals.
Good pasture management helps your livestock get the nutrients they need. Weeds can compete with your grass for space, water, and nutrients. When weeds take over, there is less good forage available for your animals to eat.
One weed many producers see in Osceola County is thistle. In Florida, there are about nine kinds of thistle that grow in pastures. Most of these are biennial plants. This means they grow from seed in the first year and produce flowers in the second year.
The best time to control thistle is early. Look for plants when they are still low to the ground in a circular shape. This is called the rosette stage. At this point, thistle is easier to manage before it grows tall and spreads.
A good habit is to walk your pastures often and check for weeds. Finding thistle early can save you time and effort later in the season.
Want to learn more about identifying and controlling thistle? Check out this helpful EDIS resource: Thistle Control in Pastures
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