[tallgingerbloke]

I realise that this question comes from a place of jealousy, envy and I really should grow up but......

Why are farmers fields clear of weeds, grass and all the other things that we spend half our time clearing up.

I have never seen a farmer on his hands and knees pulling out handsful of unwanted greenery and deciding if it can go on the compost or not.

Am i missing something ? even if I "ploughed" my little field at the beginning of the year, the weeds would be back the next week.

Is it all down the chemicals?

Obviously this mood I am in will pass, just as soon as I get all this mud from under my nails !

thanks for all your secrets

TGB

[mumofstig]

Is it all down the chemicals?

Yes

[JayG]

...........and it's one of most important reasons for many of us for growing our own stuff - even if you don't grow organically at least you know what went into and onto your crops! 

[DD.]

I suspect you knew the answer before you asked the question!

[savbo]

Is it all down the chemicals?

Yes

... and no 
Organic farms look much the same. I suppose the ability to use large machines to plough, harrow, etc means weeds are kept down over a large area. And large fields have proportionally less edge than small allotment plots, meaning there is a smaller 'front' for weeds to invade across.

[Kleftiwallah]

I have noticed an increase in the amount of Oxford ragwort about.  Are 'they' still supposed to clear this weed ?

Cheers,    Tony.

[arugula]

I'm not sure exactly how Oxford Ragwort differs from common Ragwort, but I understand "they" are supposed to dispose of it where it is in danger of spreading to neighbouring land with horses or other grazing animals.

[Mark-S]

Chemicals - yes
Rotations - Yes
Cultivations - yes
correct nutrient levels and competition V weeds - yes

But mainly chemicals.......

[The Golden Heap]

and pigs muck, it often stinks round our village when the muck is being spread, and I mean stink, although i quite like it