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Forage Grasses

​Establishment Tips:

  • Consider mixing brome with oats to avoid bridging in the seed box.

  • Use the small seed box for species like clover, timothy and bluegrass.

  • If broadcasting, use a narrow or double spread pattern.

  • Consider adding clover to pastures for nitrogen fixation.

  • Remember to rest and rotate paddocks and not overuse them!

Orchardgrass

Orchardgrass is a tall-growing bunch grass that is very palatable, productive and persistent in pasture systems. Orchardgrass is a great component of an alfalfa or grass pasture. For best results, use 4-8#/acre in a mix or 15#/acre for a pure stand. Seed at 1/4"-1/2" depth. Orchardgrass is a great frost seeding option!

Ryegrasses

Ryegrass is a rapid establishing grass that is sod-like and has excellent traffic tolerance. It is best for grazing or haylage systems, and can also be used for dry-hay, as a low percentage of mix. Perennial has a lifespan of 5+ years, Italian is 1-2 years, and annual is a single growing season crop. Plant at 1/4"-1/2" depth.

Tall Fescue

Fescue is one of the most common perennial grasses used. It can be used for hay and grazing systems. It is known for its persistence and its tonnage. It works well in pasture mixes and is an exceptionally good fall stockpile species. It is tolerant of most soil types. Seeding Rate:  Mix - 4-12# / acre or Mono - 25-30# / acre. Depth: 1/4" - 1/2"

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Fescue Endophyte - 

Fescue containing toxic endophyte can have harmful livestock side-effects.

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Endophyte is beneficial in that it improves the persistence of the stand; however, it can result in major animal health issues, if not properly managed. Except for KY31 and Econo Waterway Mix, all of our fescue varieties and pasture mixes are either endophyte free or have a novel endophyte (not harmful, but increases longevity). When overseeding existing pastures, keep in mind that infected fescue is already present and can contaminate pasture, even if using e-free or novel endophyte. Consider killing all fescue before introducing novel or e-free fescues.

Timothy Varieties

Timothy is a popular choice for hay or pasture mixes, especially for horses. Timothy hay is very low dust and very fine. There is a market specifically for pure timothy hay. Timothy can also be used in a mixture. Due to its very small seed size, do not seed more than 1/4" deep. Use 3-4#/acre in a mix or 12-15#/acre for a monoculture. 

Additional Species

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