Invasive Grassy Weeds Workshop

By PR Extension Office

The best way to prevent invasive weeds from overtaking the range or cropland is early detection and control, according to Montana State University (MSU) Extension Powder River Agent Mary Rumph.

“The problem with grassy noxious weeds is identification,” said Rumph. “Too often, the invading grass isn’t very obvious until it has gained a foothold. Once detected, control can also be extremely challenging.”

A workshop to help landowners identify invasive grassy weeds will be held on Wednesday, July 21st, beginning at 1 pm at the Broadus Community Center.

MSU Extension Range Weed Specialist, Jane Mangold, will discuss invasive grasses including Medusahead and Ventenata (North African Wiregrass), two invasive annual grasses with extremely aggressive characteristics. These invasive species have higher silica contents than other invasive species such as cheatgrass, leading to reduced palatability.

Similar to cheatgrass, these species mature early, but often have less biomass resulting in reduced forage quality.

“We have had reports of the ventenata in southern and western areas of the county,” said Rumph. Mangold will teach ways to identify these invaders and talk about why they are species of concern. She will also address management and biological control options.

The use of herbicides for invasive grass control will be discussed by Justin Hossfeld, Western Range Segment Manager for Bayer Environmental Science. Rounding out the program will be Powder River County Weed Supervisor Tammy Van Tine, who will demonstrate methods to calibrate sprayers and proper treatment techniques.

Three recertification credits have been awarded for the program by the Montana Department of Ag for private and commercial applicators. Please contact the Extension Office at 436-2424 if you have questions regarding the workshop.