GRASS INTO GAINS
WITH ALLIGARE RANGE & PASTURE
Broadleaf weed control on rangelands has been a cornerstone of effective land management for decades. Since the introduction of 2,4-D in the 1940s, land managers have had access to a powerful tool that selectively targets broadleaf plants while leaving grasses intact. This revolutionary herbicide made it possible to reshape and enhance pastureland without disturbing the valuable grass species that serve as the foundation of forage systems.
Over the years, many new active ingredients have been introduced to the market and this practice has become standard among livestock producers, conservationists, and landowners seeking to improve the productivity, safety, and ecological health of their rangelands. The benefits are broad and well-documented: increased forage production, delayed or prevented brush encroachment, reduced presence of poisonous plants, and support for land restoration efforts.
Boosting Forage Production
One of the most direct and measurable benefits of broadleaf weed control is the increase in grass production. Grasses are the primary forage for cattle, and when they have to compete with aggressive broadleaf weeds, their growth can be significantly limited. Removing the competition allows grasses to thrive.
This practice isn't new. Some of the earliest herbicides specifically labeled for pasture use emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, helping producers maintain cleaner, more productive fields. A well-known adage in the ranching community sums it up: "Control a pound of weeds, gain a pound of grass."
This saying isn't just anecdotal. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension conducted research showing that broadleaf weed control can result in an extra pound of forage per acre on native pasture, and up to seven additional pounds per acre on improved pastures like Bermudagrass or kleingrass. Those extra pounds translate to more grazing days, reduced feed costs, and increased profitability for cattle operations.
It’s also worth noting that while some broadleaf forbs do offer nutritional value to livestock, especially in terms of minerals and diversity, the bulk of a cow's diet, approximately 70–80 percent, comes from grass. So, in beef-focused operations, prioritizing grass production is not only logical but economically beneficial.
Suppressing Brush Encroachment
In addition to boosting forage, broadleaf herbicides are vital for suppressing woody plant invasion. Shrubs and small trees can quickly overtake open rangelands if left unchecked, reducing grass availability and altering ecosystems.
Brush encroachment is a widespread issue across much of the United States. As woody species take hold, they not only reduce the carrying capacity of the land but also complicate access and management. Many species begin as seedlings that can be controlled early with the same broadleaf herbicides used for pasture weeds. However, once these woody brush species mature, they require higher rates and more specific herbicides.
Common broadleaf weed herbicides have proven effective at controlling both annual broadleaf weeds and young woody plants. However, timing is key. Once brush species mature, they develop thicker bark and deeper root systems that require more aggressive treatments, including higher herbicide rates, mechanical removal, or targeted brush-specific products.
Even if a mature brush plant isn’t completely eliminated, a broadleaf herbicide application can defoliate the plant, slowing down its growth, reducing seed production, and decreasing its competitiveness, giving desired grass a chance to thrive.
Reducing the Impact of Poisonous Plants on Pastures
Failing to control poisonous plants in pastures may have serious consequences for livestock health and productivity. Ingestion of toxic species may lead to symptoms ranging from reduced weight gain and reproductive losses to severe illness or even death. For instance, broom snakeweed may cause abortions in pregnant animals, while perilla mint, commonly found in wetter regions, can trigger labored breathing that mimics pneumonia.
While broadleaf herbicides can help reduce populations of toxic broadleaf weeds, some poisonous plants may persist after treatment. It is also important to note that not all toxic plants are broadleaf species; certain toxic grasses and woody plants cannot be controlled with broadleaf-specific herbicides alone. Accurate identification of plant species is essential in choosing the appropriate herbicide or control strategy.
If livestock continue to graze on harmful plants, additional management steps, such as reducing grazing pressure, rotating pastures, or enhancing forage availability, may be necessary to lower the risk of consumption.
Recognizing and addressing toxic plant issues early is critical. If you suspect that your livestock have ingested poisonous plants, consult your local veterinarian promptly and consider having suspect plants identified by an extension agent or range specialist.
Land Restoration
Broadleaf weed control also plays a crucial role in land restoration. In degraded or disturbed areas, opportunistic weeds often outcompete native grasses and forbs, slowing ecological recovery. By removing these aggressive invaders, managers create space and resources for desirable vegetation to reestablish. This not only improves soil stability and water retention but also enhances biodiversity and long-term productivity. Integrated weed control is an essential first step toward reclaiming and revitalizing rangelands, pastures, and natural areas.
Choosing the Right Herbicide
Effective broadleaf weed control starts with correct plant identification. Not all herbicides work equally well on all species, so the more accurately you can identify your target weeds and brush, the better your results will be.
Once your targets are defined, choosing the right herbicide comes down to your goals:
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Are you maximizing grass production for cattle grazing?
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Are you trying to suppress woody seedlings before they take over?
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Or are you working toward long-term land restoration?
Alligare offers the most robust portfolio of herbicides for rangeland and pasture management. Whether you are targeting annual weeds, perennial forbs, or early-stage brush, there is a solution for your needs, and likely, a tank-mix solution that will help you achieve multiple goals in a single pass.
Some of Alligare’s most commonly used broadleaf weed herbicides include Gunslinger P+D, Gunslinger AMP, Grassmaster, and Prescott Herbicide. Each product offers unique advantages, making it the best fit for specific weed species, application goals, or local regulations. To determine which option is right for your operation, contact your local Alligare Range & Pasture specialist.
A Long-term Investment in Land Health
Broadleaf weed control remains one of the most impactful practices in rangeland management today. With a thoughtful plan and the right products, you can increase forage availability, protect open space from woody invasion, support restoration efforts, and maximize the productivity of your land. Whether you’re running cattle, managing a conservation property, or reclaiming neglected acreage, herbicide-based weed control is a proven tool for rangeland management.
