By Andi Anderson
Farmers across the region are reporting heavy foxtail infestations in hayfields and pastures this year, raising concerns about livestock safety and forage quality. Foxtail—whether green, yellow, or giant—is a warm-season annual grass that thrives in stressed or disturbed soils. While not toxic, its bristled seed heads, called awns, can irritate an animal’s mouth or nasal passages, leading to painful ulcers and abscesses.
Experts warn that drought and erratic weather patterns, including wet springs followed by dry summers, have worsened foxtail growth. The weed capitalizes on weakened desirable plants, making management more difficult for producers.
Because foxtail spreads rapidly and produces abundant seed, it is important to interrupt its life cycle to prevent further spread. Common control methods include strategic mowing, competitive crop rotation, and targeted herbicide applications. However, by late fall, most foxtail plants have already released viable seed, reducing the effectiveness of mowing as a control method.
One of the most effective spring management options is a pre-emergent herbicide. Agronomists recommend Prowl® H2O, a non-restricted product containing pendimethalin as the active ingredient. Prowl® H2O can be applied at 1.1 to 4.2 quarts per acre before rainfall to ensure proper soil activation. There are no grazing or pre-harvest restrictions, and additional applications can be made six to eight weeks later if needed.
Other methods, such as introducing competitive annuals or improving soil fertility, can also help desirable plants outcompete foxtail over time. Farmers should always consult herbicide labels and university extension resources before application.
For detailed foxtail identification, Cornell University offers an online weed guide, and additional product details are available on the BASF Prowl H2O webpage.
Photo Credit: pexels-dendoktoor-19486680-f
Categories: Ohio, General, Rural Lifestyle