Weed Control in Pastures: How Cattle Producers Are Using Weed Wipers
Maintaining high-quality pastures is a challenge when invasive weeds like smutgrass, johnsongrass, and broadleaf weeds compete for nutrients and space. Traditional control methods—including mowing, broadcast spraying, and manual removal—can be expensive, labor-intensive, or ineffective.
The Beef Producer Article on Weed Control in Pastures highlights how cattle producers across the U.S. are successfully using weed wipers to control persistent pasture weeds while minimizing herbicide costs and forage damage.
This article features real-world experiences from farmers and ranchers who have integrated weed wipers into their pasture management strategies, demonstrating their effectiveness and cost efficiency in commercial cattle operations.
Field-Tested Results: How Farmers Are Controlling Weeds with Weed Wipers
GrassWorks offers several Weed Wiper models to meet different needs. From compact units for small farms to large-scale applicators for commercial operations, each model is designed for efficient and effective weed control.
California: University of California Extension Trials on Irrigated Pastures
Glenn Nader, a livestock and natural resources adviser with University of California Extension, conducted weed wiper trials on irrigated pastures. His research showed effective control of:
Mint
Chicory
Smutgrass
Nader noted that the weed wiper effectively treated taller weeds that cattle avoided, improving overall pasture quality.
Key Takeaway:
The GrassWorks Weed Wiper only applies herbicide to targeted weeds, reducing chemical use and protecting desirable forage.
Texas: Beef Producer Reduces Smutgrass with a Weed Wiper
Alan McNeill, owner of McNeill Cattle Co. in Beaumont, Texas, tried several weed control methods—mowing, aerial spraying, and spot treatments—before switching to a weed wiper.
His initial skepticism about the herbicide concentration changed when he saw significant smutgrass suppression.
He successfully treated over 100 acres with a GrassWorks Weed Wiper.
Key Takeaway:
Smutgrass control improved significantly with precision herbicide application using a weed wiper system.
Kentucky: Lower Herbicide Costs in Hayfields
Mike Whitehouse, owner of Red Gate Equestrian Center in Nicholasville, KY, uses a weed wiper to control johnsongrass in his hayfields.
Whitehouse noted that each application thins out more johnsongrass, with full eradication expected over two to three years.
His herbicide costs decreased significantly—less than 2 quarts of herbicide covered 30 acres.
Key Takeaway:
Weed wipers stretch herbicide efficiency, treating only undesirable weeds while preserving forage grasses.
How the GrassWorks Weed Wiper Compares to Traditional Spraying
Method |
Herbicide Usage |
Targeted Weed Control |
Forage Preservation |
Cost Efficiency |
| Weed Wiper | Low | Precise | Yes | High |
| Boom Sprayer | High | Broad application | No | Low |
| Spot Spraying | Moderate | Labor-intensive | Varies | Moderate |
| Mowing | None | Temporary | Yes | Low |
Key Takeaways:
Weed wipers use less herbicide, reduce drift, and protect desirable grasses—making them an efficient pasture management tool.
Download the Full Beef Producer Article on Weed Control
The Beef Producer article provides practical weed control strategies, covering:
How cattle producers use weed wipers in real-world operations
Herbicide recommendations for smutgrass, johnsongrass, and broadleaf weeds
Cost-saving strategies for pasture weed management
Why GrassWorks Manufacturing?
For over 40 years, GrassWorks Manufacturing has provided farmers and ranchers with field-tested weed control solutions.
Made in the USA
Designed for durability and ease of use.
Proven in University & Producer Trials
Trusted by livestock producers and researchers.
Low-Drift, Selective Application
Herbicide only touches the weeds, keeping forage grasses intact.
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943 Industrial Dr, Lincoln, AR 72744