pasture advice needed

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We made a pasture out of cut over land. Now we feed hay and grain to the cows, but what should I plant in the pasture? We have broom straw grass now and they do not like it. And, when?

-- julie britt (jbritt@ceva.net), January 31, 2002

Answers

What type soil? What climate? What state? Ect.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), January 31, 2002.

Feeding on land is an excellent way to improve it especially if you feed hay cut a little late that's full of seed.Also if you have broom sage its a good indicator that you need lime.

-- Gary (burnett_gary@msn.com), January 31, 2002.

Yep, need to know where you are approximately, type of soil, climate, how much rain you get, and most importantly, how many acres roughly.

Around here, orchard grass base with red clover and timothy mixed in is a good pasture mix to withstand cattle traffic on it, but we get plenty of rain 2/3 of the year.

Spread the area where you feed the hay will help self seed the pasture as well, move the area where you feed the hay around everyday, helps spread the resulting manure as well.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 31, 2002.


ok details...topsoil is in place. The trees cut off were mostly pine, but hardwoods also. Under the topsoil is red clay. Va

-- julie (jbritt@ceva.net), January 31, 2002.

Julie Check with the soil conservation people at the USDA office for your county. They have excellent information and the advise is free. Also, you can check with a local farmer. A soil test would also be helpful to give you an idea as to your soil's condition.

-- Marty Palange (MPalange@ahmail.com), January 31, 2002.


Before you plant anything, you may want to consider putting lime on the pasture. I've always heard that broom grass is a sure sign the land needs lime.

-- Mel Carroll in NC (frank.a.carroll@worldnet.att.net), January 31, 2002.

This web site has an excellent FAQ on making hay, making pastures, and handling preadators. It's been on the 'net for many years. Check it out.

--->Paul

http://www.18james.com/

-- paul (ramblerplm@hotmail.com), January 31, 2002.


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