Dun,
We have a large field of orchard grass and clover. Seems early in the spring, we cannot get to the first cutting because of the rains, and temps are not warm enough for drying in between on the one week it might be dry.
What concerns me,on the grass itself is at the highest level of protein, just before it starts making a seed head, then the protein is pulled away from the stems and blades, and goes into the seedheads.
Once the Orchard Grass goes into the seed head, and the seed becomes mature enough, I am thinking that the clump of grass goes into a dormant stage since it has pulled so much protein from the clump. It's mission in life is over. Then cut it for hay later on in May, there isn't going to be much growth, if the energy is stored in the stems.
Now here are my thoughts. In the spring, right when I see the Orchard Grass starting the leaf casing for the seedhead, I will take a cutter and trim the tops out about 6-8" to keep the protein from going into the seedhead.
Some people here, are not in favor of cutting anything off the top of a hayfield before you cut it for hay. But Orchard Grass is somthing that has not made its' way here yet. Mostly fescue. I have always had Orchard Grass, And when I kept it clipped, it stayed nice and green all year long at about 6-8" tall.
I am still having the argument on cutting the Orchard Grass 4" tall. Some people just aren't going to be wrong!!!!!!!!
Please help me out here Dun!
Chuckie
We have a large field of orchard grass and clover. Seems early in the spring, we cannot get to the first cutting because of the rains, and temps are not warm enough for drying in between on the one week it might be dry.
What concerns me,on the grass itself is at the highest level of protein, just before it starts making a seed head, then the protein is pulled away from the stems and blades, and goes into the seedheads.
Once the Orchard Grass goes into the seed head, and the seed becomes mature enough, I am thinking that the clump of grass goes into a dormant stage since it has pulled so much protein from the clump. It's mission in life is over. Then cut it for hay later on in May, there isn't going to be much growth, if the energy is stored in the stems.
Now here are my thoughts. In the spring, right when I see the Orchard Grass starting the leaf casing for the seedhead, I will take a cutter and trim the tops out about 6-8" to keep the protein from going into the seedhead.
Some people here, are not in favor of cutting anything off the top of a hayfield before you cut it for hay. But Orchard Grass is somthing that has not made its' way here yet. Mostly fescue. I have always had Orchard Grass, And when I kept it clipped, it stayed nice and green all year long at about 6-8" tall.
I am still having the argument on cutting the Orchard Grass 4" tall. Some people just aren't going to be wrong!!!!!!!!
Please help me out here Dun!
Chuckie