Grazing and chemical options to manage feathertop Rhodes grass in southern NSW

Grazing Feathertop Rhodes grass with sheep at the vegetative stage may provide useful feed in certain situations and may have complementary weed control benefits. However, grazing mature plants should be avoided as it is unlikely to prevent seed set.
Multiple bouts of heavy grazing can significantly reduce seed production of feathertop Rhodes grass, especially when grazed at the early vegetative stage.
Graze/spray or spray/graze can effectively reduce the vegetative and reproductive features of feathertop Rhodes grass.
In cropping paddocks, registered residual herbicides can provide long-term suppression of feathertop Rhodes grass. However, the plantback periods of these residuals should be taken into consideration when planning crop rotations.
Post-emergent herbicides are only effective when applied to actively growing young plants.
Alternative strategies such as integrating grazing and/or residual herbicides will be essential, to reduce the pressure on the few effective group A herbicides.