Barley is a winter growing annual grass.  The feed value of barley grass is high during the winter period.  Unfortunately the plant is early maturing and produces an obnoxious seed head in the spring. Animals prefer not to consume the plant after the seed head emerges. As a consequence this plant is able to regenerate annually.  Barley grass can irritate the mouths of the animals, penetrate eyes and nostrils and cause infections. Seeds can also become entangled in wool and reduce its value.  Barley grass control can be achieved by grazing management or by the use of herbicides. Barley grass control has been achieved by grazing management alone, particularly in annual pasture situations. Heavily grazing paddocks after the autumn break and continuously throughout the rest of the growing season can eradicate barley grass.  Use of herbicides such as Gramoxone and wetting agents at the commencement of spring together with heavy grazing of paddocks can also see its removal. Spray topping can be used to control barley grass in annual and perennial pastures. This technique utilizes a low rate of herbicides applied after seed head emergence. Two herbicides can be used to achieve good results are Gramoxone and Glyphosate. When spray topping, it is important to graze the plants heavily in the early spring period.