Overview: Cheatgrass can quickly overtake pastures in Wyoming and specially in Laramie County. Learn why it thrives year after year and how local ranchers can fight back. Read on! 

  If you’ve ever thought you finally had cheatgrass under control, only to see it pop back up the next season, you’re not alone. Ranchers across Laramie County deal with this stubborn invader year after year. Understanding why cheatgrass keeps coming back — and how it out-competes your desirable forage — is the first step in protecting your pastures and your livestock’s nutrition.

Let’s dive in!

 Built for Survival in Our Region   

Cheatgrass isn’t just tough — it’s adapted perfectly to our local climate and soils. Its seeds germinate earlier than many native types of grass, often sprouting in late fall or early spring when moisture is still available. By the time your good forage grass are waking up, cheatgrass already has a head start.

Also Read >> Cheatgrass is More Than a Fire Risk: Here’s How It Steals Your Forage

 Seed Bank That Never Sleeps   

One of the biggest challenges is the sheer number of seeds it produces. A single plant can drop thousands of seeds, many of which stay viable in the soil for several years. Even if you manage to knock it back one season, seeds from previous years are waiting for the right conditions to grow.

 Fast Growth, Early Drop   

Cheatgrass matures quickly and drops its seeds before summer heat sets in. That means it can complete its life cycle before many ranchers are even thinking about weed control for the season. This rapid cycle makes it especially hard to target at the right time.

Out-competing Your Good Grass  

By emerging early and aggressively, cheatgrass robs your pasture’s desirable grass of moisture and nutrients. The result? Weaker stands of forage, more open soil, and even more space for cheatgrass to take root the next season.

The Grazing Dilemma  

While some livestock will graze cheatgrass early when it’s green, it quickly becomes unpalatable and dangerous. As it dries, its sharp awns can injure livestock mouths, eyes, and digestive tracts. That leaves animals with fewer quality grazing options if cheatgrass dominates your pasture.

Managing Cheatgrass for the Long Haul  

Cheatgrass control isn’t a one-and-done effort — it’s a season-by-season strategy. The most effective approach combines:

• Early-season control to hit it before seed heads form

• Thick stands of desirable forage to compete for space and nutrients

• Ongoing monitoring to catch new outbreaks before they spread

Protect Your Pasture, Protect Your Herd  

At All Around Ag, we know a healthy pasture is the foundation of a healthy herd. That’s why we not only supply high-quality hay to keep your livestock thriving, but also share practical tips for keeping your grazing lands productive.

If cheatgrass has been creeping back into your pastures, now is the time to plan your control measures for next season — before those seeds get a chance to take over again.