Vetch...Help...and %^*@

[BruBoy]

I need COTH advice again! We cleared our back paddocks late August using the mulching method , planted pasture seed with a brillion seeder early fall, and overseeded the heck out of it with a spreader early spring before the ground thawed. Grass was coming up fine but it now looks like vetch exploded in large areas of the paddocks.

I read it is an annual and that it is most toxic to horses when it begins to seed. We’ve had a late start to spring and it has not gone to seed yet. If we mow it down and I hand rake it up before it seeds will this help eliminate the weed eventually? I live in the frozen north and with it being an annual plant that can’t withstand our winters, I am hoping this is a successful strategy as I really don’t want to use any chemicals on the paddocks.

Advice please on getting rid of this retched vetch. If I have to hand pull it so be it but hoping there is an easier way.

[Foxglove]

Not sure why you object to chemicals for weed control since the farmer you buy hay from is definitely using something to keep his/her hay fields weed free . . .suggest you research Trimec Classic --I spray annually with it on all my pastures to kill broad leaf weeds (does not harm grass). I keep horses off for 7 days or until there’s a hard rain. I am 100% weed free. Husband figured (years ago when we started spraying for weeds instead of mowing) that I reduced hay consumption by 20-40 bales as parts of the pasture were previously total weed infestation and no grass. Now all 20 acres are grass. At the time I spray Trimec, I also spray at the same time Coron --a fertilizer to boost the grass. I make one pass over all 20 acres --once a year. Neighbor mows every month May-Oct --my pastures look better and are more productive. Added bonus --no burrs!

[buck22]

I am far from knowledgeable on this topic, but my paddocks were overrun with hoary vetch some years ago. Consistent, heavy applications of lime solved the issue for me in about 2 seasons. Also got rid of the buttercups.

[BruBoy]

@Foxglove

Not sure why you object to chemicals for weed control since the farmer you buy hay from is definitely using something to keep his/her hay fields weed free . . .suggest you research Trimec Classic --I spray annually with it on all my pastures to kill broad leaf weeds (does not harm grass). I keep horses off for 7 days or until there’s a hard rain. I am 100% weed free. Husband figured (years ago when we started spraying for weeds instead of mowing) that I reduced hay consumption by 20-40 bales as parts of the pasture were previously total weed infestation and no grass. Now all 20 acres are grass. At the time I spray Trimec, I also spray at the same time Coron --a fertilizer to boost the grass. I make one pass over all 20 acres --once a year. Neighbor mows every month May-Oct --my pastures look better and are more productive. Added bonus --no burrs!

I researched Trimec Classic but I’m finding a hard time finding a Canadian source. We have a herbicide/pesticide ban in Ontario and this may be causing the issue. I did find a site “Seed Ranch Canada” that sells the product (USD $) but have to research to see if they are a reputable seller.

Anybody in Ontario know if this product is allowed and available? I’ll continue researching but if you have any first hand knowledge, I am all ears!

Thank you again!

[SusanO]

The vetch we have around here ( Southeast) is a legume and is safe for horses to eat. In fact they love it . It grows in the Spring and dies out by the time the hot weather gets here - late April or May. I do try to limit the consumption because my horses do not need anything that rich in large quantities.

[Where_sMyWhite]

@Foxglove

Not sure why you object to chemicals for weed control since the farmer you buy hay from is definitely using something to keep his/her hay fields weed free . . .suggest you research Trimec Classic --I spray annually with it on all my pastures to kill broad leaf weeds (does not harm grass).

FWIW, it may appear that vetch is an off label use as I don’t see it mentioned in the list of unwanted plants (aka "weeds).

Trimec Classic is a broadleaf herbicide. https://www.amleo.com/images/art/88126TrimecClassiclabel.pdf

As always, read the label following directions on application and safety precautions

[JB]

@BruBoy

I researched Trimec Classic but I’m finding a hard time finding a Canadian source. We have a herbicide/pesticide ban in Ontario and this may be causing the issue. I did find a site “Seed Ranch Canada” that sells the product (USD $) but have to research to see if they are a reputable seller.

Anybody in Ontario know if this product is allowed and available? I’ll continue researching but if you have any first hand knowledge, I am all ears!

Thank you again!

Here we have county extension agencies, and agents are usually really good at identifying weeds and recommending appropriate chemicals, and timing of use, taking into consideration the animals on the pasture and the desired outcome. Do you guys have something like that for a province or general area?

@SusanO

The vetch we have around here ( Southeast) is a legume and is safe for horses to eat. In fact they love it . It grows in the Spring and dies out by the time the hot weather gets here - late April or May. I do try to limit the consumption because my horses do not need anything that rich in large quantities.

That’s why we need to understand if this is the legume vetch with pretty purple flowers (which can be invasive on its own depending where you are) which is safe, or hoary vetch which is pretty toxic.

[BruBoy]

@JB

Here we have county extension agencies, and agents are usually really good at identifying weeds and recommending appropriate chemicals, and timing of use, taking into consideration the animals on the pasture and the desired outcome. Do you guys have something like that for a province or general area?

That’s why we need to understand if this is the legume vetch with pretty purple flowers (which can be invasive on its own depending where you are) which is safe, or hoary vetch which is pretty toxic.

I’m sure we must but I just need to take the time to do the research. The vetch in our field is definitely Hairy Vetch and is toxic. It has the pretty purple flowers but the wrong kind of pretty purple flowers.

[BruBoy]

@JB

Here we have county extension agencies, and agents are usually really good at identifying weeds and recommending appropriate chemicals, and timing of use, taking into consideration the animals on the pasture and the desired outcome. Do you guys have something like that for a province or general area?

That’s why we need to understand if this is the legume vetch with pretty purple flowers (which can be invasive on its own depending where you are) which is safe, or hoary vetch which is pretty toxic.

I’m sure we must but I just need to take the time to do the research. The vetch in our field is definitely Hairy Vetch and is toxic. It has the pretty purple flowers but the wrong kind of pretty purple flowers.

[BruBoy]

Sorry guys…not sure why this posted 4 times

[JB]

My apologies, I had alyssum on the brain, hence the “hoary” :rolleyes: But still, yes, if there’s enough of the vetch, it is enough of a contact toxin with the potential for all sorts of skin and eye issues, that getting rid of it is a good idea.

[ttldr1]

Grazon

https://www.corteva.us/products-and-solutions/pasture-management/grazonnext-hl.html

A lot of people around here use it for horse pasture and some don’t even remove the horses with no ill effects. Kills everything except grasses.

[alibi_18]

Contact Omafra.

[brody]

@Foxglove

Not sure why you object to chemicals for weed control since the farmer you buy hay from is definitely using something to keep his/her hay fields weed free . . .suggest you research Trimec Classic --I spray annually with it on all my pastures to kill broad leaf weeds (does not harm grass). I keep horses off for 7 days or until there’s a hard rain. I am 100% weed free. Husband figured (years ago when we started spraying for weeds instead of mowing) that I reduced hay consumption by 20-40 bales as parts of the pasture were previously total weed infestation and no grass. Now all 20 acres are grass. At the time I spray Trimec, I also spray at the same time Coron --a fertilizer to boost the grass. I make one pass over all 20 acres --once a year. Neighbor mows every month May-Oct --my pastures look better and are more productive. Added bonus --no burrs!

We are hay farmers and we don’t chemically spray

[BruBoy]

@alibi_18

Contact Omafra.

I’m getting a couple of goats damnit to clear the grass paddocks of weeds…and also, I’ve been looking for an excuse to get goats where hubby can’t argue!