Overview: Tackle mid-summer weeds and plan your feeding strategy with confidence. This guide helps Laramie County ranchers stay ahead on pasture health and hay planning. Read on! 

Mid-summer on the High Plains isn’t the time to coast — it’s the time to make smart moves that carry your operation through late summer and into fall. Whether you’re seeing weeds creep in or wondering if you’ve got enough feed lined up, now’s the window to take action before things get tight.

Here’s a no-nonsense guide to help Laramie County ranchers manage weeds and plan feed with purpose.

Read the Weeds Before You Reach for the Sprayer  

Not all weeds are just weeds. Some, like thistle or cheatgrass, tell you there’s a deeper issue with soil health or grazing pressure. Others might show up after overgrazing or dry spells — when your good forage loses its competitive edge.

Ask yourself:

• Are these annual weeds, or are they perennials taking root?

• Is this a one-time flare-up, or a pattern year after year?

• Are your grasses recovering between grazing?

Pro tip: If you’re seeing persistent patches, it’s worth stepping back to evaluate pasture rotation and stock pressure before applying herbicide. Spraying without a grazing plan is just kicking the can down the road.

Time Your Herbicide Right — Or Don’t Bother  

By mid-summer, some weeds are already setting seed. Spraying now might not prevent next year’s mess. For broad-leaf control, early growth stages (late spring/early summer) are ideal. If it’s too late, focus on mowing problem areas, resting pastures, and planning a more strategic attack next spring.

Also Read >> What Are Herbicides, Its Uses, Types, & Advantages

Check Your Hay Inventory While There’s Still Time   

Feed planning should be happening now, not when you’re down to your last few bales. Take stock of what you’ve got — and how long it’ll last — based on current grazing conditions. If your pastures are falling short due to weed pressure, drought stress, or rotation limits, it’s time to fill the gap with reliable hay.

At All Around Ag, we keep a strong supply of:

• Cow Alfalfa & Cow Hay for everyday roughage

• Wyoming Timothy/Garrison for horses and higher-end nutrition

• Orchard/Brome/Timothy with light alfalfa for versatility

• Straw bales for bedding or erosion control

• Grass and mixed bales for operations needing balance

Whether you’re feeding out heifers or planning winter prep early, having hay in place before the fall rush gives you the upper hand.

Don’t Forget Soil Health   

Weeds don’t just mean overgrazing — they can also point to poor soil fertility. Now’s a great time to pull a soil sample and get the lay of the land. A simple test can help you plan late-season fertilization or fall seeding efforts.

Think Long-Term, Act Mid-Summer   

The ranches that get ahead are the ones that stay proactive when the sun’s high and the grass is thinning. Don’t wait until August to start thinking about winter feed or pasture recovery. Use this season to adjust, prep, and keep your livestock on track.

 Need Help Filling the Gaps?   

At All Around Ag, we’re more than just a hay supplier — we’re your neighbor, your partner, and your backup plan. If weeds have taken a toll or your grazing rotation isn’t producing like it should, we’ll help you line up the hay you need to keep your herd fed and your operation strong.

Mid-summer can make or break the rest of your season. Walk your pastures, watch your weeds, and know where you stand on feed. Smart choices now pay dividends when the cold sets in.