A well established and maintained lucerne crop can produce significant amounts of high-quality feed for many years. The establish-ment costs for lucerne can be high. Therefore it is important to have a good plan to ensure that this investment is not wasted. Weeds left uncontrolled can prevent adequate lucerne establishment and there are many instances where farmers have had to re-sow.
As suitable herbicides that can be used in an established lucerne crop are limited, a focus on a robust annual winter clean up programme when the crop is dormant will help keep on top of weeds and maintain crop productivity.