Armyworms: A Major Threat to Hay Crops

Armyworms are a serious threat to hay crops, especially for ranchers in the Southeastern U.S. These pests can strip a field bare almost overnight, feeding on grasses and crops. For ranchers who depend on hay production to feed their livestock, an infestation can be financially harmful, leading to lower yields, poor-quality forage, and costly replanting.

Impact on Your Cattle

It’s not just your crops at risk. Armyworms also have a direct impact on cattle health too. When cattle graze on fields infested by these pests, they’re left with low-quality hay that’s been stripped of its nutrients. The armyworms tend to eat the most nutritious parts of the plant, leaving behind only stubble. This low-quality forage can lead to digestive issues, weight loss, reduced milk production, and other health problems for the cattle. The stress on your herd can increase if you’re forced to move cattle off infested fields or constantly move them to find better grazing land.

Infested fields need immediate attention, not just to protect your crops but to ensure that your cattle are getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy and productive.

Effective Chemical Control of Armyworms

While armyworms are a tough enemy, there are several effective chemical controls to help you get ahead of the problem. Here are some of the best options for ranchers:

1. Pyrethroids – These are synthetic versions of a natural insecticide and work well on armyworms. They are powerful but can also harm beneficial insects like bees if not applied carefully. Timing is key, so spray in the early morning or late evening to avoid killing pollinators.
2. Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) – Bt is a natural bacterium that targets caterpillars like armyworms but is safe for other wildlife. It’s most effective when applied to young, actively feeding larvae and may need reapplication after rain or heavy sun exposure.
3. Spinosad – Derived from soil bacteria, Spinosad affects the nervous system of pests like armyworms while being relatively harmless to beneficial insects and the environment. It’s best used when armyworm populations are still low.
4. IGRs (Insect Growth Regulators) – These products stop armyworm larvae from maturing, preventing them from doing more damage. IGRs work well in the early season but may require several applications.
5. Neem Oil – For ranchers looking for an organic option, neem oil serves as both a repellent and a feeding deterrent. While it takes longer to show results, it’s safer for the environment and can be combined with other pest control strategies.

Best Practices for Minimizing Environmental Impact

Using these insecticides effectively while minimizing environmental impact is important for long-term pasture management. Here are a few tips to make the most of your efforts:

• Monitor and Identify Early: Knowing what you’re up against and catching infestations early helps reduce the need for heavy chemical use.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM combines chemical control with crop rotation, promoting natural predators, and other eco-friendly methods to minimize pesticide use and delay resistance.
• Proper Application: Use low-pressure nozzles or spot spraying to target areas with armyworms and reduce drift that can affect non-target areas.
• Follow Instructions: Always follow the label directions for dosage and timing to avoid overuse and contamination of water sources.
• Timing: Apply insecticides when armyworms are most active, typically in the early morning or late afternoon, to maximize effectiveness and minimize harm to beneficial insects.

The Hustler Applic8r: Your Pest Control Solution

To tackle these challenges, the Hustler Applic8r boom sprayer offers a rancher-friendly solution. Designed with precision and ease of use in mind, the Applic8r ensures that insecticides are applied exactly where they’re needed, minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact. With the ability to spray insecticides, fertilizers, and herbicides, it’s a versatile tool for any rancher looking to protect their pasture and cattle. The simple controls make it easy to operate, while the precision spraying helps you get the job done right.

Explore how the Hustler Applic8r can support your pest management efforts, helping with armyworm control and forage protection. Find out more here. 

Think ahead of the herd with Hustler, contact us today for a quote or to book an on-farm demo!

You may also like to take a look at some of these great resources: 

• • The Art of Sustainable Hay Feeding in a Tough Economy
  • Benefits of feeding long-stem hay, especially when weaning calves
  • Does it really make sense to ground-feed onto mud?
  • How to deal with hay shortage in drought conditions
  • Improve your pasture for free with your bale feeding routine
  • American beef farmer “couldn’t imagine not having” his Hustler Applic8r mounted boom sprayer as “it’s just making life way easier”
  • or watch How Missouri cattle farmer improves his pastures and hay fields with Hustler Applic8r boom sprayer

Here at Hustler, farming sustainably is at the heart of everything we do.

Our belief in sustainable farming practices underpins our range of world-leading livestock feeding solutions. If you are looking for farming equipment near you or buying livestock feeding equipment, contact our friendly team today!