Stands are thinned by other factors such as winter-kill. Thus, it is important to maintain a vigorous stand through proper fertilization, cutting, and other control measures. Dandelion leaves have fairly good forage quality and their presence in the forage, especially when harvested as silage, does not significantly reduce the feeding value of the crop. Dandelions are often a problem in over-grazed pastures and turf because the weed thrives in conditions of close cropping or mowing. A good fertility program in forages will encourage crop competition that reduces dandelion problems.
Herbicides are available for control of dandelion seedlings in cereal crops.
There are no herbicides registered for control in alfalfa. Rotating the field out of forages may be required on these fields.