Vernado Pasture Weed Spraying Checklist
The 20-Point Checklist for Better Weed Control, Less Stress and Better Pasture Recovery
Get Better Weed Control Before You Fill the Sprayer
Successful weed control isn't just about choosing the right herbicide. The best results come from getting the timing, weather, sprayer setup and tank mix right before you even leave the shed.
A few simple checks can make the difference between an effective spray job and one that costs more than it should. Poor timing, incorrect mixing order or an uncalibrated sprayer can reduce weed control, waste expensive product and slow pasture recovery.
This checklist has been developed by the Vernado team to help New Zealand farmers avoid common mistakes and get the most from every spray application. Whether you're targeting docks, buttercups, thistles, ragwort or other pasture weeds, use this guide before every spray job to improve consistency, maximise herbicide performance and protect your investment.
Print it, keep it in the ute or spray shed, and run through it before you mix your next tank.
Vernado Tip: A well-timed spray application can often deliver a better result than simply increasing the herbicide rate. Young, actively growing weeds, good coverage and suitable weather conditions are usually the biggest contributors to successful weed control. Always do a jar test before mixing chemicals and fertiliser.
Before You Spray
1. Identify the weed correctly
Different weeds require different chemistry. Misidentification is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.
☐ Weed species confirmed
☐ Broadleaf or grass weed identified
☐ Growth stage suitable for spraying
2. Spray young, actively growing weeds
Young weeds absorb herbicide far more effectively than mature or drought-stressed plants.
Avoid spraying when weeds are:
☐ Seeding
☐ Frost damaged
☐ Moisture stressed
☐ Under severe insect pressure
3. Check weather conditions
Ideal spraying conditions are:
☐ Wind below 10–15 km/hr
☐ No frost
☐ Temperature between 10–25°C
☐ No heavy rain expected
☐ Good drying conditions
4. Check soil moisture
Healthy, actively growing weeds provide the best herbicide uptake.
Avoid spraying during:
☐ Extended dry periods
☐ Waterlogged paddocks
5. Read the label
Always confirm:
☐ Correct weed
☐ Correct rate
☐ Water volume
☐ Grazing withholding period
☐ Plant-back restrictions
6. Calibrate your sprayer
Even a 10% calibration error can mean underdosing weeds or wasting expensive product.
Check:
☐ Nozzle output
☐ Ground speed
☐ Boom pressure
☐ Application rate
Mixing Your Tank
Correct Mixing Order
Getting this wrong can cause compatibility issues, blocked nozzles and poor spray performance. (always do jar test first)
✓ Water (if required) or
✓ Liquid fertiliser (to 90%)
✓ Agitation running
✓ Wettable powders (WP) or dry granules (WG)
✓ Suspension concentrates (SC)
✓ Vernado GibBoost® + EnergHi®
✓ Emulsifiable concentrates (EC)
✓ Surfactant/adjuvant (last)
✓ Top up with Water or Liquid fertiliser to required level
Before You Leave the Shed
☐ Tank agitation running
☐ Filters clean
☐ Correct nozzles fitted
☐ Boom height checked
☐ GPS guidance working
☐ PPE worn
☐ Water source available for clean-up
While Spraying
☐ Maintain consistent speed
☐ Maintain correct pressure
☐ Avoid overlaps
☐ Avoid missed strips
☐ Keep agitation running
☐ Monitor wind changes
☐ Watch for blocked nozzles
After Spraying
Record the Job
Record:
☐ Date
☐ Paddock
☐ Weed species
☐ Herbicide
☐ Rate
☐ Liquid fertiliser rate
☐ GibBoost® rate
☐ EnergHi® rate
☐ Water volume
☐ Hectares sprayed
Inspect Results
Return after 7–10 days
Check:
☐ Weed yellowing
☐ Weed death
☐ Missed areas
☐ Spray overlaps
☐ Signs of drift
☐ Any issues
Learn for Next Time
Keeping accurate records helps improve future spray decisions.
Compare:
Cost per hectare
Product rates
Timing
Weather conditions
Common Mistakes
Spraying weeds that are too mature
Spraying drought-stressed pasture
Wrong nozzle selection
Poor sprayer calibration
Mixing products in the wrong order (gelling or heating up)
Spraying in high winds
Letting the tank settle without agitation
Not checking results after spraying
Vernado Pro Tip
Pasture herbicides can temporarily suppress pasture growth after spraying. Where label recommendations allow, combining compatible herbicides with Vernado Liquid Fertiliser, GibBoost® (Gibberellic Acid) and EnergHi® (Triacontanol) can help encourage quicker pasture recovery and reduce the period before the paddock is back producing feed. Always check product labels and compatibility before tank mixing. Check with your chemical rep or Vernado.
Need Advice Before You Spray?
Every paddock is different.
If you're unsure about:
Weed identification
Herbicide choice
Tank mixing
Spray timing
Liquid fertiliser compatibility
Growth regulator use
Talk to the Vernado team or your chemical rep before you spray. A five-minute conversation can save hundreds of dollars in chemical costs and help achieve a better result.
Vernado always recomend to test first to ensure satisfactory results are achieved. Mixing chemicals especially with liquid fertiliser can change how they interact with plants and the environment, so consulting with a certified chemical applicator or agricultural advisor is recommended.