Seeking advice on bermuda vs bahia in a new pasture.

[farmwriter]

Don't get me wrong Bahia has its place, I guess, but to me it is a weed. For Hay production, I believe you will like Bermuda better and so will your livestock.

No question bermuda is a higher quality grass or hay, but it is less hardy, which is why I don't think a mixture of the two is a bad idea. When times get dry, like we all know they will at some point, the bahia is still there long after the burmuda is scorched. When it's all that will grow, it becomes a much more attractive option.
I agree that a chat with a knowledgable extension specialist should be helpful.

[novatech]

Don't get me wrong Bahia has its place, I guess, but to me it is a weed. For Hay production, I believe you will like Bermuda better and so will your livestock.

No question Bermuda is a higher quality grass or hay, but it is less hardy, which is why I don't think a mixture of the two is a bad idea. When times get dry, like we all know they will at some point, the Bahia is still there long after the bermuda is scorched. When it's all that will grow, it becomes a much more attractive option.
I agree that a chat with a knowledgeable extension specialist should be helpful.

May be a difference in location but my Tifton 85 stood out above all other grasses during the drought. The Bahia was nothing but brown stubble. Most died but when the rains came the Bahia seed sprouted and came back with a vengeance. The first hay cut in this area after the rains was the hybrid bermudas and Johnsongrass.

[farmwriter]

That's intersting, Nova. Our soil is real sandy and fairly acidic, so maybe that has something to do with it too.

[BC]

Interesting comments. My experience is that bahia is the first to green up in the spring and the first to brown out in dry times. It is not as drought tolerant as coastal or Tifton 85, but about the same as common bermuda. Cows will walk through bermuda to eat bahia that is young and tender. Bahia does not make the tonnage or as high of quality hay as bermuda. Bahia will grow on red clay hills that bermuda has a hard time on and bermuda will out perform it on deep sugar sands.