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market-farming - RE: [Market-farming] Spring Pasture

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  • From: "Rick Hopkins" <rdhopkins AT americanpasturage.com>
  • To: <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: RE: [Market-farming] Spring Pasture
  • Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:01:18 -0600

Joe,
 
You have presented a real challenge.  If you plan on returning the fields to crops in the future, I would consider annual summer and winter forages.  The problem with any summer annuals other than crab grass is getting them established enough to handle any grazing pressure.  If you can get it in early enough to get a stand of rye and turnips, the cattle will do well on them and they are both excellent soil builders.
 
We use kelp meal as a supplement.  Other than salt, water, and pasture that is the only supplement we provide.  We do it more to feed the soil than anything, but there are some added animal health benefits.
 
You might consult with a local NRCS grassland specialist to discuss a recommended forager for summer use in your area.  For my annual paddocks I use Red River Crabgrass in summer and a rye mix with turnips in the winter.
 
Rick H.
-----Original Message-----
From: market-farming-admin AT lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:market-farming-admin AT lists.ibiblio.org]On Behalf Of Joseph Stuchlak
Sent: Thursday, February 13, 2003 11:20 AM
To: market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [Market-farming] Spring Pasture

I have a few small fields that were previously grew corn. This year I would like to seed them  with something and pasture right away in early summer. Anybody have any suggestions? I will fertilize conventionally this year to build up soil fertility levels. The fields wiil be pastured by a herd of Black Angus cows and heifers. Does any body have an organic mixture of mineral they use for grass fed cattle. I plan on spreading 1 1/2 tons of lime per acre before doing anything.
Thanks,
Joe Stuchlak
Rustic Acres
Grand Marsh, Wisconsin



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