For the last five months, I have been telling producers one thing: wait until June.

Now June is here, and with recent rainfall across our area, many pastures finally have the moisture needed to make pasture management investments pay off. Whether you’re planning to fertilize, control weeds, or establish new forage, adequate soil moisture is often the difference between success and frustration.
Before you spend money on fertilizer, herbicide, or seed, there is one important step that should come first: pull a soil sample.

Start with a Soil Sample
One of the most overlooked steps in pasture management is soil testing. A soil sample provides valuable information about nutrient levels and soil pH, allowing you to make informed decisions rather than guessing what your pasture needs. Without a soil test, you may be applying nutrients that are already sufficient while overlooking nutrients that are limiting forage production.
Testing now gives you time to:
• Review your results
• Develop a fertilizer plan
• Apply lime if needed
• Coordinate weed control and seeding activities

Your local Extension office can help you collect a proper soil sample, interpret results, and develop a management plan based on your pasture’s needs.

Control Weeds Before You Fertilize
If weeds are present, weed control should typically come before fertilizer applications. Weeds compete with desirable forage species for nutrients, moisture, and sunlight. Applying fertilizer before controlling weeds often means you’re feeding the weeds you are trying to eliminate.
For the best herbicide performance, make sure:

• Weeds are actively growing
• Weeds are not flowering
• Weeds have not gone to seed

Timing is critical. Herbicides work best when weeds are actively moving nutrients throughout the plant. Spraying too late in the season can significantly reduce effectiveness. Just as important as timing is proper identification. Different weeds require different control strategies, and using the wrong product can be both costly and ineffective. Your local Extension agent can help identify problem weeds and recommend appropriate control  options. After spraying, wait at least two weeks before applying fertilizer. This allows the herbicide time to work and helps reduce stress on desirable species.

Moisture Matters
The recent rains are welcome news because soil moisture plays a major role in both herbicide performance and fertilizer efficiency.
Adequate moisture helps herbicides move through actively growing weeds and allows fertilizer nutrients to move into the soil where plants can access them. During dry conditions, both weed control and fertilizer applications often produce disappointing results and lower returns on investment.

Planning to Reseed? Follow the Right Sequence

If you are considering adding new forage species to your pasture, timing becomes even more important.
Young seedlings need time to establish healthy root systems before they can effectively utilize fertilizer. Applying fertilizer too early may benefit existing grasses and weeds more than the new seedlings you’re trying to establish.
Strong root development improves:
• Nutrient uptake
• Drought tolerance
• Stand establishment
• Long-term pasture productivity

Invest Smart, Not Blind
Fertilizer remains one of the largest input costs in pasture management. A soil test helps ensure every dollar spent is addressing an actual need rather than relying on guesswork.
June is the time to evaluate your pastures, develop a plan, and take advantage of the moisture we have been waiting for. Starting with a soil sample and following the proper sequence of weed control, fertilization, and seeding can help set your pasture up for a productive growing season.

Weed Management during Pasture Establishment
Bahiagrass Overview and Pasture Management
Weed Management in Pastures and Rangeland – 2025
Nutrient Testing form for Bahia Pastures

June Pasture Checklist
☐ Pull a soil sample and submit it for testing
☐ Review soil test results and determine fertilizer and lime needs
☐ Walk your pasture and identify problem weeds
☐ Apply herbicides to actively growing weeds before they flower or set seed
☐ Wait at least two weeks after spraying before fertilizing
☐ Apply fertilizer according to soil test recommendations
☐ Evaluate thin areas and determine if reseeding is needed
☐ Monitor soil moisture and weather conditions before making applications
☐ Keep records of soil tests, herbicide applications, and fertilizer inputs
☐ Contact your local Extension office for assistance with pasture management decisions

Remember: Soil sample first, weed control second, fertilizer third, and reseeding when conditions are right. Following the proper sequence helps ensure your investments produce healthier forage, healthier livestock, and better returns throughout the growing season.
For assistance with soil sampling, weed identification, or pasture management recommendations, contact the Extension Office at 386-822-5778. We’re here to help.

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