Poison ivy management in my sheep pasture. - Ask Extension
I have very robust poison ivy growing in my sheep pasture. I have tried creating smaller paddocks for the sheep, there are 5, to graze hoping that t...
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Poison ivy management in my sheep pasture. #867370
Asked May 07, 2024, 8:08 AM EDT
I have very robust poison ivy growing in my sheep pasture. I have tried creating smaller paddocks for the sheep, there are 5, to graze hoping that they will damage the poison ivy while it is emerging in the spring. However, I don't think they are grazing at a rate that will manage the amount of poison ivy effectively. I really don't want to use poisons but it may be the only way I can manage it. I estimate about 1-1.5 acres of land on which it is currently growing. If I do spray chemicals, will my sheep need to be relocated for grazing and for how long? If I relocate them to graze can they return to their "barn" area that is nearby in the evening? Thank you.
Benzie County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Catherine
Poison Ivy can be killed by defoliation, but if take many defoliations throughout the year to kill it (13 sticks in my head). One way to help to control it would be to clip the pasture with a brush hog to keep it cut back.
If you use chemicals to control it, you will need to follow the grazing restrictions on the label.
Poison Ivy can be killed by defoliation, but if take many defoliations throughout the year to kill it (13 sticks in my head). One way to help to control it would be to clip the pasture with a brush hog to keep it cut back.
If you use chemicals to control it, you will need to follow the grazing restrictions on the label.
