Based on these perennial weeds present in a field, we will either crop the cultivation for another year or chemically fallow the land and use herbicides to control the perennial weeds. Annual weeds are less of a concern after the stand is established, however, they must be addressed in the establishment year. These weeds can be addressed through mechanical means, such as mowing or haying, or through herbicides. In my experience in the Parklands, the only annual weeds we will aggressively control with herbicides are green foxtail, wild buckwheat, kochia, and excessive amounts of volunteer canola or wild mustard. For a complete list of registered herbicides for forages, consult the provincial weed control guide.
Insects are also a risk to forage plantings.
Grasshoppers have been the major pest, which can severely injure or cause a planting to fail. Producers should be aware of any high areas of infestation in the province and be prepared to control grasshoppers. If the grasshopper numbers are above the threshold and if the grasshoppers are present when the forages are early in their establishment year, management should occur. Consult the provincial weed control guide for the appropriate registered insecticide. Once the decision has been made to use a legume as part of a forage blend or a pure legume stand, proper inoculant must be used.