Evaluating the Effectiveness of Non-chemical Management Methods for Reducing Losses in Pasture Forage Quality, Quantity, and Utilization from Canada Thistle

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Non-chemical Management Methods for Reducing Losses in Pasture Forage Quality, Quantity, and Utilization from Canada Thistle

Summary

In 2013 we completed our second and final field season, gathering another battery of data furthering our understanding of various Canada thistle (CT) control measures and their effects of pasture productivity, utilization, and quality, as well as on CT cover and stem density. While two years is a limited interval to observe dramatic population-level shifts, patterns and trends have begun to emerge. On average, higher stocking density increases overall forage production and utilization, but comes with an attendant reduction in forage quality. Forage quality analysis is still being conducted. We have found Canada thistle control to be very site-dependent. At two out of three sites, CT infestations were found to increase under higher stocking densities while the third site suggests a trend towards increased control. In addition to fieldwork, survey distribution was also completed. Over 180 respondents throughout the upper Midwest have collectively given us the most comprehensive picture to date of producer perceptions of Mob Grazing as well as technical details about implementing Mob Grazing in our ecoregion. We continue to analyze and compile our data,, and a completion date of June 2014 is anticipated.

Objectives/Performance Targets

We were able to meet every objective for 2013:

• • Complete second field season at all three sites

• • Compile and begin analysis on collected data

• • Complete distribution of survey

• • Compile and analyze responses to survey

• • Continued outreach and public engagement in our project (multiple pasture walks and conference presentations)

Accomplishments/Milestones

• • Completed, analyzed, and have presented data from the Mob Grazing survey.

• • Successfully finished our second field season.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

• • Received a Graduate Student Award for a presentation at the annual North Central Weed Science Society conference in Columbus, OH.

• • Presented a poster outlining project research at the annual MOSES (Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service) conference in LaCrosse, WI.

• • Presented at two grazing conferences

• • Appeared in an article written in Hay&Forage Grower about Mob Grazing.

Collaborators: