Success StoryFarmers Learn About New Weed Control Equipment



Farmers Learn About New Weed Control Equipment

Author: Brian Jeffiers

Planning Unit: Johnson County CES

Major Program: Forages

Plan of Work: Livestock and Crops

Outcome: Initial Outcome

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.







Stories by Brian Jeffiers


UK Helps Farm Family Navigate Post-COVID Cattle Slaughter

about 4 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

With outbreaks of coronavirus at commercial processing facilities, beef consumers and producers coul... Read More


Fertilizer Program Improves Hay Yields

about 4 years ago by Brian Jeffiers

With many acres of strip-mined land dedicated to hay production, Johnson County farmers requested ed... Read More


Stories by Johnson County CES


4-H Grows with Gardening and a Pollinator Pavillion

4-H Grows with Gardening and a Pollinator Pavillion

about 4 years ago by Dianna Reed

The Johnson County Extension Council, 4-H Program Council and State 4-H Office identified Agricultur... Read More


4-H Shutterbug Shut In's Shine

4-H Shutterbug Shut In's Shine

about 4 years ago by Dianna Reed

In March of 2020, the Johnson Cooperative Extension Service along with government officials, local l... Read More