In a 2003 survey, The South Florida Beef Forage Program determined that smutgrass was the second most problematic weed species in Florida pasturelands behind tropical soda apple. Due to both the aggressive control methods taken against tropical soda apple and the invasive nature of smutgrass, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) estimates that smutgrass is likely now the most problematic invasive weed species affecting Florida ag producers with foraging livestock.
In an effort to determine the true extent of the reach and impact of smutgrass in Florida, UF/IFAS Extension weed specialist, Dr. Brent Sellers, and Phillip Lancaster, Extension animal specialist, are asking Florida ranchers to complete a quick survey concerning smutgrass. The survey takes under five minutes to complete, and it will provide UF/IFAS with valuable data that will be used to further research into control methods for smutgrass. Access the survey here.
Smutgrass comes in both small and giant varieties in Florida. Both varieties are invasive species from Asia that is found mainly in Central and South Florida pasture lands. Controlling smutgrass is an involved process, and the weed has been found to be spreading into northern parts of the state at a rapid rate. Griffin Fertilizer will also be hosting a Field Day on June 3rd at the UF/IFAS Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, Florida, on pasture health.
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.