Tin Man
Active member
I am planting about 5 acers of alfalfa in our pasture to mow for hay. I will be cutting the 1st cutting only then turning cattle in on it. what is the best way to make sure it makes it to the next year?
Alfalfa planting ??
- Thread starter Tin Man
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novaman
Well-known member
Keep cattle off of it.Tin Man":h48moz9b said:
Tin Man
Active member
But what if I cant, I will need the grass.
I think it would be better to bale your alfalfa then feed hay if grass is short.
Cows can ruin alfalfa by grazing it. They will eat the plant down to the ground and tromp all over it. Alfalfa will not last long under those conditions
Cows can ruin alfalfa by grazing it. They will eat the plant down to the ground and tromp all over it. Alfalfa will not last long under those conditions
Tin Man
Active member
ok, thanks. but if I had to put them in there would it make it to the next?
novaman
Well-known member
Probably. I wouldn't chance it though. Letting them graze will likely remove valuable energy stores, especially later in the growing season. You also run the risk of the crowns being damaged which will thin the stand out in a hurry. You would have a lot of money stuck in to establish a stand and then to risk losing it because you wouldn't fence it off seems foolish.Tin Man":f3lgjtd8 said:
