In 2022, the Adair County Agriculture Advisory Council identified weed control in hay and pasture fields as an emerging issue facing Adair County livestock producers.  Over the past decade buttercup has continued to increase across pastures and in more recent year’s poison hemlock and been a threat to not only forages bases, but also livestock in general.

In 2023, the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Adair County Soil Conservation district on an effort to increase education and management of troublesome forage weeds such as butter and poison hemlock.  The Adair County Soil Conservation offered producers $200 reimbursement on herbicide expenses targeting weeds found in forages.  To participate, producers first attended an educational session lead by the Adair County Extension Agent for Agriculture & Natural Resources.  During the session, producers received assistance in developing an herbicide plan for their hay and pasture fields focusing on using the right product, at the right time, at the right rate, and in a safe manner.  

A total of 43 producers completed the educational session and are currently implementing practices advised.  To date, 23 of the producers have submitted receipts of herbicide purchases for reimbursements.   The remainder of the applications will be made in late summer and fall to target perennial warm season weeds.