When mowed frequently, the starthistle may regrow and flower below the mower cutting height. However, if soil moisture is still adequate, yellow starthistle will regrow 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. 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, but before seeds form. Yellow starthistle may still be green at this time and may require some form of desiccation to burn. Most annual vegetation other than yellow starthistle may be dried down by this time and serve as a fuel source to allow a successful burn.