Grazing in Michiana
Spring is a wonderful time of year, especially for all of us in the grazing world looking to seed new pasture. The fresh air, the blooming flowers and the promise of new growth make it an ideal season to start this important task. But where do you begin? Well, we can have a look and get you started on some general tips which are familiar to most, but I know there are many new graziers out there who are just beginning.
First things first, why seed in the early months of the new year? Couple of reasons spring to mind: the soil is warming up, which helps seeds germinate more quickly. Additionally, spring showers provide the necessary moisture for seeds to take root and grow. This combination of warmth and moisture creates the perfect environment for new grass to thrive.
Before you start seeding, and once the frost is out of the ground, get some soil sampling done. I recommend following your respective states' guidelines for this, and just as a general reminder, even on pasture and hay, it's good to have it done every three to four years. There could be nutrient depletion that you do not readily see.
Around this time, you will want to determine what mix is best for your pasture. Fescue is very common, and is pretty hardy when it comes to being grazed. Orchardgrass is another common grass mixed into pastures. If you want to, you can toss some Kentucky bluegrass in, but I tend to see it move in on its own after a few years. Remember, with fescue, pick a novel endophyte variety! I also recommend some sort of clover or even an underused legume, birdsfoot trefoil. They will fix nitrogen, which is needed for grass growth, especially cool-season grasses.
When it comes to seeding, timing is everything. Aim to seed your pastures as early in the spring as possible, once the soil temperature reaches around 50° F. This will give your seeds a head start and allow them to establish before the hot summer months. Use a broadcast seeder or a no-till drill to evenly distribute the seeds. Be sure to follow the recommended seeding rates for each type of seed to avoid overcrowding and competition. If you need help with recommendations, you can talk to your local NRCS, conservation district, or Extension office.
As your new pasture begins to grow, keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases. Weeds can also be a common issue in newly seeded pastures. Regularly monitor your pasture and take action if necessary, whether it's through mechanical control, such as mowing, or chemical control, like herbicides. Maintaining a healthy and weed-free pasture will ensure that your grasses and legumes have the best chance to thrive.
If you suspect you have weed problems, again, get with Extension, NRCS or your local conservation district. They can help identify weeds and present some possible solutions.
Once your pasture is established, it's time to start grazing. However, it's important not to rush this process. Allow your grasses to reach a height of at least 6-8 inches before introducing livestock. This will give the plants enough time to develop strong root systems and recover from grazing.
Implementing a rotational grazing system can also help maintain the health of your pasture. By moving livestock between different sections of the pasture, you give each area time to rest and regrow, preventing overgrazing and soil degradation.
That's all I have for this round. Hope everyone has a great March, and I'm sure I will be seeing some of you in the fields this year!