Leafy spurge

[daydrinker]

Anyone have this on the pasture? It seems to be taking over. Cows won't go near it.

 

[greybeard]

Not here, and from what I just read, sure don't want it.

http://www.team.ars.usda.gov/cdgallery/posters.html

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/leafyspurge.html

 

[jhm47]

We have it in several pastures. Goats love it, sheep will eat it, but cows won't touch it. It's very expensive to control with herbicides (Tordon is best), but I've had very good luck with biological control. There are several species of flea beetles that live exclusively on it, and they do a very good job. Problem with them is that they take several years to establish enough population to do much good, but when they reach critical mass, they nearly eradicate the stuff. You might contact your county extension agent for more information.

 

[daydrinker]

thanks. county extension agent said to use Crossbow herbicide in autumn. i border the interstate who's wide shoulders are nothing but leafy spurge so it seems to me its just going to keep reinfecting.
maybe goats for the short term and beetles for the long look? just need goats that won't jump the cow fence!

 

[jodief100]

I know someone who rents out goats in Montana specifically to control the leafy spurge. She gets $0.50/head/day and the cattle people are glad to pay it. It is 18% protein, goats will THRIVE on it.

 

[daydrinker]

thanks Jodie. That's good to know.