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Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are working to minimize the impacts of the postal service disruption.

Les ministères, les sociétés d’État et les organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan travaillent à réduire au minimum les répercussions de l’interruption des services postaux.

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Preventing Weed Seed Spread in the Fall

By Luke Jorgensen, AAg, Range Management Extension Specialist, Weyburn

October 2025

Weeds are never a welcomed sight in your pasture or hayland – they disrupt healthy ecological functions and stress the bottom line of your operation. As the growing season draws to a close, it’s important to remember that weeds can still spread and there are steps you can take to avoid new infestations in the spring.

A field with scentless Chamomile weed Infestation
A field with scentless Chamomile weed Infestation

Why It Matters

One of the defining traits of most invasive weeds is prolific seed production. In the fall, weeds such as absinthe or Canada thistle produce thousands of seeds per stem that are ready to disperse, remain dormant over the winter and germinate in the spring.

Anything that spreads weed seeds to new places is called a vector. Common fall vectors for weed seeds include hay, manure, equipment, clothing and livestock. The best way producers can reduce the risk of weed spread is to identify potential weed seed vectors and take steps to mitigate each one.

Vector: Hay

  • Separate suspect hay from feed you know is weed-free.
  • Ask suppliers about potential weed contamination before purchasing hay.
  • Feed suspect or contaminated hay separately and monitor the feeding site in the spring for emerging weeds.

Vector: Equipment and Clothing

  • Wash or blow off equipment between fields, especially before moving equipment home or between farms. A battery-powered leaf blower is a great weed control investment.
  • Remind visitors, contractors and staff to maintain weed biosecurity.
  • Limit unnecessary traffic in pastures and ensure guests understand the risk of spreading weed seeds on tires, boots or gear.

Vector: Livestock

  • Keep animals penned for a day or two when they return from pasture, especially if you’re not sure of weed presence where they were grazing. Seeds can travel in their gastrointestinal tract or cling to hooves, fur or tails, before dropping in feedyards and starting a new infestation.

The Bottom Line

Few fall management steps can prevent years of costly control work. Talk to your guests about the risk of spreading weeds. Keep equipment and clothing clean and stay aware of what might be coming home in your hay or on your livestock. These simple actions now can protect productive and healthy pastures and hayland for years to come.

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