GRASSLAND management will have to improve as a result of the mid-term review, whether it is for environmental purposes or to protect it as cost-effective forage.

Vaughn Stansfield, grassland agronomist with Dow AgroSciences, says that, with Single Farm Payment under way, livestock and dairy producers should start to make grassland productivity a priority now, to protect the farm's best asset.

"That means starting this spring. It's pointless having dirty pastures when you need as much good quality grass as possible. You spend money on fertiliser so protect that investment, too, by taking out the weeds," said Mr Stansfield.

Livestock farmers should look for early signs of docks, thistles and nettles and plan control tactics. The deep root systems of these perennial weeds ensured they reappeared each year, unless controlled.

"Spray at the right time in the spring to ensure a clean pasture for the rest of the season." he said. Herbicides such as Doxstar would control docks and chickweed; Pastor would control a weeds like thistles, docks, nettles and a range of annual weeds.