Best mix ratio for hay

[oldshep]

Given all conditions good for soil, what is the best mix ratio for a 25 acre field. Southern Michigan area. I would like to harvest 3 times a year ( God willing ). Round bales and only for beef herd. Please suggest #'s/acre and type seed you recommend in your mix.

 

[Stocker Steve]

alfalfa and grass mix:
- start with 8 to 10# of alfalfa per acre
Fescue or reed canary is going to give you the most tonnage. Fescue establishes faster. Most folks use an improved tall fescue. I mix tall fescue with meadow fescue.
- start with 6 to 8# per acre
I add some festolium to thicken up stands initially.
- try 2 to 3# per acre
I also often also add some white clover, but that will not dry well for haying.

 

[oldshep]

Thanks for the reply Stocker Steve,
By improved Fescue do you mean along the lines of KY31 or something else?

 

[Stocker Steve]

Thanks for the reply Stocker Steve,
By improved Fescue do you mean along the lines of KY31 or something else?

I buy most of my grass seed from Barnenburg. You will want to check with the neighbors or your county agent on what works best in your area.