Control of weeds in hay and pasture fields has been an issue for decades. Herbicides that kill target weeds can also damage or kill desirable forage species. Sprays may also drift off-target and damage adjacent fields. When the weeds are taller than the forages, a "weed wiper" implement can be a very effective solution to these issues. It uses a roller coated in a spongy material that is saturated with a broad-spectrum herbicide like glyphosate. The height of the roller can be adjusted by the operator so that it touches only the tall weeds and not the shorter forages. 

When the Johnson County Conservation District invested in a shared-use weed wiper, Extension staff worked with the district to include a demonstration in Extension's annual Farm & Home Field Day. Approximately 20 forage producers were shown how to set up and use the implement, and the District shared contact info and rental rates so that producers can use it on their own farms. All reported that they had gained an understanding of how to transport, deploy, use, and break down the weed wiper.