When mowed frequently, the starthistle may re-grow and flower below the mower cutting height. However, if soil moisture is still adequate, yellow starthistle will re-grow and should be mowed a second time, about 4 to 6 weeks later. Monitor for any surviving starthistle in another 4 to 6 weeks. To encourage growth of desirable vegetation, let the desirable vegetation set seed before mowing, but be sure to mow well before starthistle is in full flower. In general, mowing is most effective when soil moisture is low and no irrigation or rainfall follows the mowing.
Grazing is effective in reducing yellow starthistle seed production.
Sheep, goats or cattle eat yellow starthistle before spines form on the plant. The plant's crude protein concentration is variable but ranges from 28 percent at the rosette stage down to 11 percent at the bud stage, and should be sufficient to meet the general maintenance requirements for most ruminant animals. Intensive grazing, using large numbers of animals for short durations, in late May or June can reduce plant height, canopy size, and seed production. Burning is best performed at the end of the rainy season when flowers first appear. Yellow starthistle may still be green at this time and may require some form of desiccation to burn.