Weed management is a cornerstone of productive farming, and the choices growers make about herbicide programs can have lasting impacts on crop health, paddock cleanliness, and long-term sustainability. With a wide range of herbicide options available, the question isn’t just “What should I spray?” - it’s “What should I spray with?”
Selecting the right spray companion for glyphosate is about more than just product features. It’s about understanding your weed spectrum, crop timing, and management goals, and making informed decisions that support both immediate results and future productivity.
WHY CONSIDER A SPRAY COMPANION?
Glyphosate is a trusted broad-spectrum herbicide, but it’s not a cure-all - especially against tough broadleaf weeds or when rapid burndown is needed. A spray companion can expand the weed control spectrum, accelerate visible results, and improve reliability under challenging conditions. As FMC Area Business Manager Nick George explains, “Spray companions aren’t just about boosting performance, they’re about maximizing every spray pass and set themselves up for cleaner paddocks and better crop outcomes.” So, what are your options? Let’s take a closer look at three key spray companions and how they fit into different farming systems.
Hammer® Force: Speed and Flexibility
Hammer® Force is a contact herbicide known for its rapid action and compatibility with a range of tank mix partners. When paired with glyphosate, Hammer® Force delivers:
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Fast burndown: Desiccation visible within hours, with weed death in 3–7 days
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Enhanced control: Especially effective on hard-to-kill broadleaf weeds
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Non-residual: No additional grazing or drilling restrictions, making it ideal for pre-plant burndown
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Rainfast: A 1-hour rainfast period
Hammer® Force is physically and biologically compatible with many herbicides, and doesn’t require an adjuvant unless your tank mix partner does. Its Group 14 mode of action targets broadleaf weeds, leaving grasses largely unaffected.
When to choose Hammer® Force: Use when you need rapid results and flexibility for crop rotation or grazing, especially before establishing grain, fodder, or forage crops, or for general weed control around infrastructure.
Granstar®: Targeted Broadleaf Control
Granstar® is a selective, systemic herbicide widely used in cereal crops. It offers:
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Selective action: Safe for wheat, barley, and oats
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Residual activity: Some soil persistence, which can help with ongoing control but requires attention to crop rotation intervals
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Broadleaf spectrum: Effective against many broadleaf weeds, though less so on the toughest species
When to choose Granstar®: Ideal for targeted broadleaf control in cereals, especially when season-long suppression is needed and crop rotation intervals can be managed.
Harmony®: Versatility and Compatibility
Harmony® is another selective herbicide, valued for its compatibility and broadleaf control in cereals and pasture renovation. It provides:
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Broad compatibility: Tank-mixes well with glyphosate and other herbicides
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Selective control: Targets a wide range of broadleaf weeds, with minimal impact on grasses
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Crop safety: Suitable for cereals and some pasture species
When to choose Harmony®: Best for growers seeking a flexible, compatible option for broadleaf control in cereals and pasture, especially when rotating between different crops and herbicide programs.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE: KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Selecting the right spray companion is about more than just product features. Consider:
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Weed spectrum: Match the companion to your problem weeds
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Crop timing: Factor in pre-plant, post-emergence, and crop rotation intervals
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Environmental conditions: Apply when weeds are actively growing for best results
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Residue management: Non-residual options like Hammer® Force offer flexibility; residuals like Granstar® require planning
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Compatibility: Always check tank mix partners for physical and biological compatibility
Effective weed control is about understanding your land, your crops, and the unique challenges of your region. By choosing the right spray companion, you invest in healthier crops, cleaner paddocks, and a more sustainable future. Whether you’re looking for speed, selectivity, or flexibility, there’s a solution that fits your needs. Consult with your agronomist or the FMC field team, read label directions, and make informed choices that set your farm up for success.
FMC, Granstar, Hammer and Harmony are trademarks of FMC Corporation and/or an affiliate.
