Hairy Vetch

Hairy vetch is one of the easiest legume species to establish. It is also one of the highest biomass and nitrogen producers! Hairy vetch also offers great weed suppression and soil health benefits! Hairy vetch has proven to be one of the most winter hardy legumes in the midwest. We have observed that hairy vetch leaves more available nitrogen for the following crop than some other legumes.

Seed 6-15#/acre in a mixture by October 5.

Crimson Clover

Crimson clover is a very easy and cost effective legume to establish. Crimson is great for those looking to start using mixtures! Dixie crimson will successfully overwinter about 85% of the time. Crimson is typically the earliest blooming legume in the Midwest! Crimson is often used in mixes with other legumes, as it is typically the "sure thing" that producers will usually succeed to establish.

Seed 5-10#/acre in a mix by September 15th!

FIXatioN Balansa Clover

Balansa clover is very small-seeded clover that is hollow-stemmed. It is a prolific nitrogen producer, and is also a good hay option. Balansa clover tends to be slower to show above ground growth in early spring, but will focus its energy on developing a massive root system. In mid-late April, it becomes more visible and grows very rapidly. FIXatioN is a late maturing balansa and is capable of fixing more N than other varieties.

Seed 2-5#/acre in a mix by 9/20.

Austrian Winter Peas

Peas are a great option for livestock producers looking to hay or graze their cover crops. Peas can produce lots of high quality biomass as well as fix up to 125# of N. Due to their large seed size, peas can be challenging to utilize with small seed. They do best with other grains. Peas should be planted 1/2" - 1.5" deep.

Seed 20-50#/acre in a mix for forage, or 5-15# in a mix for soil health by October 1.

Survivor Winter Peas

Survivor winter peas have been bred to bring improved cold tolerance to winter peas. Survivor peas tend to be more vigorous and winter hardy than other common varieties, allowing them to fix more nitrogen. Survivor's early spring green up allows it to produce more biomass, benefitting those looking for forage!

Survivor peas make great hay!

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For best results, seed 20-50#/acre in a mix for forage, or 5-15# in a mix for soil health by October 10.

Viper Balansa Clover

Balansa clover is very small-seeded clover that is hollow-stemmed. It is a prolific nitrogen producer, and is also a good hay option. Balansa clover tends to be slower to show above ground growth in early spring, but will focus its energy on developing a massive root system. Maturity varies by variety! In mid-late April, it becomes more visible and grows very rapidly. Viper is an early maturing balansa.

Seed 2-5#/acre in a mix between July 15 - Sep 15.