Jessica Jahiel's HORSE-SENSE Newsletter Archives

Winter grazing

From: Dorathea

We have 17 acres of tillable ground, that we are needing to sow to something for Winter pasture for horses and sheep. Do you have any ideas concerning crabgrass, We need to plant something for Winter pasture, what would you consider for pasture for horses and sheep. We live approx 60 miles NW of Oklahoma City.

Dorathea

Hi Dorathea! I know that crabgrass is actually a reasonably good forage for horses, but you need to know a lot more than I can tell you. I can't tell you what to plant, but I can tell you who will be able to help.

You need to talk to your County Extension specialist, or better yet, ask him or her to visit your farm and give you advice on what to plant. You'll get the best advice from an expert who knows the land, its history and use, and which crops do well in your particular area. The county extension service can test your soil, evaluate its mineral content, and identify any deficiencies - that's where I would begin.

Meanwhile, here are some things you might want to talk about with your Extension Agent.

- soil type: is it rocky? compacted? overgrazed? undergrazed?
- soil test: ask how to get (and store) the soil for a test
- planting times: when are the optimum planting times to grow a reliable winter crop?
- forage types: what will grow well on your land? what will be suitable for horses? for sheep?
- grasses and legumes: should you plant one, the other, or both?
- what are the benefits of cross-grazing? which is preferable, simultaneous or staggered?
- warm-season and cold-season species: which is better suited to your area? can you mix them?
- water: do you have to irrigate? how often/how much watering will the suggested crops need?
- winter: how long are your winters? how severe are they?
- seed: where can you get the best variety and quality? what's the suggested rate of seeding?
- weed control: what will you need to do before planting, and after planting?
- animals on pasture: how soon can you put them out without damaging the crop?

I'm sure there are many other relevant questions, and your Extension Agent will probably answer many of them before you even ask - but these should serve to get you started. Good luck!

Jessica

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