The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: RobJJ on March 04, 2015, 07:58:11 am
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Hi All,
We have purchased 6.5 acres that we are currently in the process of clearing.
It has been untouched for 20+ years and was covered in Blackthorn, Brambles, nettles and moss.
We would like to initially turn it all into paddocks (We will be getting pigs but not just yet) and will have a small CL site on half an acre.
Once clear the weeds etc will start coming back and I will need to spray.
Due to cost (All spare money has gone on clearing) I may end up spraying the land myself (I know it will take time but needs must) and wanted to ask the advice on here as to what weed killer make, quantity etc is best to use that is readily available.
Thank you in advance
Rob
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Have a look on,http://www.progreen.co.uk/?utm_source=Progreen+Newsletter+260215&utm_campaign=c14ebaa3ec-Newsletter_260215&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2b67f4da1d-c14ebaa3ec-82278253
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Thank you, I am waiting on one of there technical guys to call me back
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My advice, for what it's worth, would be to think very carefully before you spray at all. Look carefully at the possible effects of chemical sprays.
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Thank you, I am looking at the effects of chemicals, however I do need a quick turn around, I would love to put pigs on all the 6.5 acres, but just do not have the time at the moment.
Any other chemical free suggestions would be appreciated, ploughing is not an option due to the about of stumps etc
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Grazon 90 in backpack or pastor from a boom. May be difficult to get hold of without p a licence. Not sure where you are but may be able to point you towards an agronomist for advice if you need
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...May be difficult to get hold of without p a licence. ...
Its a good point devonlad.
From November this year 'Grandfather Rights' will cease and anyone who is wanting chemical will have to have the replacement certificate or upgrade to the PA1 + PA that is relevant to their situation.
(Grandfather Rights allowed anyone who was born on or before 31 Dec 1964 to apply chemicals without a certificate providing it was for their own use and on their own land.)
Distributors of chemical will have to ensure that the chemical is going to a business where there is a certified operator - this may mean the showing of spray certificates. So it means that for folk who picked up grassland products or glyphosate from a local agri suppliers will not be able to do that from November this year unless they have a PA certificate.
This topic was covered this winter in the NRoSO courses for sprayer operators.
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If the intention is to paddock the area and put pigs on it why spend money and effort on spraying/ clearing when the pigs themselves will do this for you free of charge ?
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Just to give an update, lots of advice from friendly farmers in the area, but basically we are going to cultivate for the summer and seed in the autumn. That way I can get the pig area fenced earlier than planned.
Most said no point in spraying.
All the land is now clear, just got to start cultivating (Once it get a little dryer)
Cost of getting someone in to do it wasn't much, but it was a price of an old tractor that I had my eye one, so I bought that with a cultivator :excited: