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Improving Pasture Weed Identification and Herbicide Stewardship Through an Interactive Extension Exhibit

Animal Science

Ashley Stonecipher
Agriculture and Food Systems Agent
UF/IFAS Extension
Winter Springs

Abstract

Accurate weed identification is critical for effective pasture management and livestock safety in Florida forage systems. Warm-season perennial pastures support numerous weed species, including toxic and invasive plants that reduce forage productivity and pose risks to animal health. Misidentification can lead to improper herbicide selection, unnecessary input costs, pasture decline, environmental concerns, and potential livestock poisoning. Limited familiarity with herbicide labels may also result in misuse, reduced control efficacy, and noncompliance with grazing restrictions. Practical, applied education is needed to strengthen producer confidence and support informed decision-making. The Hands-On Table program was developed to improve producer recognition of common pasture weeds, including both toxic and non-toxic species, while reinforcing the importance of accurate identification prior to implementing control strategies. A secondary objective was to increase participant understanding of herbicide labels to promote safe, effective, and legally compliant applications in livestock grazing systems. An interactive exhibit featuring live weed specimens and photographs was created to highlight distinguishing characteristics, toxicity risks, and invasive species concerns. Guided discussions and demonstrations emphasized herbicide label interpretation, including identifying active ingredients, target species, application timing, grazing restrictions, and application rates. The exhibit has been delivered at pasture management workshops, livestock short courses, equine programs, and agricultural education meetings across Florida. In 2024 and 2025, the program reached 445 participants. Of 262 evaluation respondents, 81% reported increased knowledge of weed identification and herbicide label interpretation, and 20% reported implementing changes in pasture management practices. Reported outcomes included improved herbicide selection, reduced livestock exposure to toxic weeds, and increased confidence in pasture management decisions. The Hands-On Table model demonstrates an effective and adaptable Extension education strategy for enhancing weed identification skills and promoting safe, sustainable pasture management practices and can be replicated in other regions where producers manage diverse pasture weed communities and require practical training in weed identification and herbicide stewardship.

Authors: Ashley Stonecipher, Caitlin Justesen, Tim Wilson, Andrea Lazzari, Morgan Yoder
  1. Ashley Stonecipher Agriculture and Food Systems Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32708
  2. Caitlin Justesen Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 34470
  3. Tim Wilson County Extension Director/Livestock Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32092
  4. Andrea Lazzari County Extension Director/Ag & Natural Resources Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32960
  5. Morgan Yoder Agriculture Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 32926