Producers gather at tri-county event to learn about brush management

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

DuPont representative J.R. Bell (right) listens to a question from a Tri-County Brush Management Conference attendee. Bell cited several methods, and tips, for managing brush, and forage. -- Staff photo by Taylor

Dec. 16, 2004 - Producers in Bee, Goliad and Refugio counties picked up key weed and brush control tips from an industry representative during the Dec. 7 Tri-County Brush Management Conference.

Obviously, in order to increase forage, there has to be some kind of brush control, according to J.R. Bell with DuPont.

"DuPont is really new to the brush, grazing management program," he told the producers gathered at the Refugio Community Center for the conference, but the company is working along side of Dow in order to develop the best products to assist producers in making their properties all they can be.

Of course, for some property owners, some brush is desirable. For those interested in keeping wildlife on their property, he reminded the crowd that the brush provides food and cover for the wildlife. Some property owners are known to leave between 30 to 50 percent brush on their land to accommodate the animals.

Several things he mentioned for producers to consider when deciding upon a brush and/or grazing management program include the fact that what formulates well on paper may not always meet the producer's expectations. He said a lot depends on the plant species' weaknesses, the expected life of the treatment, secondary effects, application requirements and the effect on the wildlife habitat.

Plus, there is "no single method that is 100 percent" successful, and all products used will need some kind of a follow-up program, he pointed out.

To begin, Bell suggested marking off about one-tenth of an acre (about 66-feet by 66-feet) and counting the plants needed to be removed; then multiplying that number by 10. The total should give producers a "per acre" idea of how many plants/trees need to be removed. Also, the number will help producers decide the easiest, and most cost-effective, ways to accomplish their removal goals.

As producers are aware, there are two major ways of removing unwanted brush; either by using a mechanical tool or a chemical spray. Bell discussed the various types of products, including Triclopr (Remedy) mixed with diesel for individual plant treatment (IPT), or something such as Hexazinone, which will "kill every tree, so be careful," Bell explained.

He suggested the first thing a producer should do is talk with the Extension agent in their county and pick up whatever brochures are available, so he/she can make an educated decision as to what method will be best for their individual problems.

Bell tipped the crowd to the fact that if they cut down a tree, leaving a stump, herbicide must be applied as soon as the cut is made or it will do no good in killing the stump and root.

Aerial spraying is another chemical option, if the size of the brush warrants it. Bell advised producers to be sure and mark the plants/area they have treated so they will be able to remember, once they return to the pasture. He said the best products for aerial broadcast application include Remedy and Reclaim.

Anther mechanical option, Bell mentioned, is a root plow, which is seldom now used due to the cost and extreme damage they can do to the ground. He suggested burning about 60 percent of the piles created by the plow and leaving 40 percent for wildlife habitat.

Finally, the most important part of the brush removal is having a plan in place with established objectives, knowing where the brush problems are, identifying alternatives for removal and, of course, the cost for removal. Bell said he usually sees a cost of approximately $10-$11 per acre as a fair price for removal, and said the product, Cimmeron Max will usually take care of most problems.