Grass

[MissouriExile]

I have 40 acres of pasture with some brush in SW Missouri. Currently running 15 head of cattle. I am looking at improving the quality of the pasture.
Given a relatively mild winter is there a variety of grass that will continue to provide grazing through most of the winter? I know I am asking for the holy grail but some varieties should overwinter better than others.
Any thoughts?

Jon Davis
New to the forum

 

[dun]

Fescue

 

[suscofa]

I have a fescue/orchard grass mix. It seems to do well in Kentucky. Of some concern is the fescue related digestive issues.

 

[stocky]

In sw Missouri, fescue will normally keep growing until December 1. The grown fescue will be good grazing until spring unless the snow or ice covers if for an extended period of time. If this happens, it can spoil and smell bad and the cattle wont eat it unless forced to. Cattle will do real well on stockpiled fescue around here.

 

[MissouriExile]

In sw Missouri, fescue will normally keep growing until December 1. The grown fescue will be good grazing until spring unless the snow or ice covers if for an extended period of time. If this happens, it can spoil and smell bad and the cattle wont eat it unless forced to. Cattle will do real well on stockpiled fescue around here.

Thanks to all for the valuable replies. Can anyone point me to a good resourse on identifying different grasses and other pasture plants?

 

[Frankie]

I have 40 acres of pasture with some brush in SW Missouri. Currently running 15 head of cattle. I am looking at improving the quality of the pasture.
Given a relatively mild winter is there a variety of grass that will continue to provide grazing through most of the winter? I know I am asking for the holy grail but some varieties should overwinter better than others.
Any thoughts?

Jon Davis
New to the forum

Have you talked with your local extension people? They should be able to make some suggestions about what works in your area.

 

[Green Creek]

Visit your local extension office. They have a pamphlet on about anything you need to know.

 

[GMN]

In sw Missouri, fescue will normally keep growing until December 1. The grown fescue will be good grazing until spring unless the snow or ice covers if for an extended period of time. If this happens, it can spoil and smell bad and the cattle wont eat it unless forced to. Cattle will do real well on stockpiled fescue around here.

Thanks to all for the valuable replies. Can anyone point me to a good resourse on identifying different grasses and other pasture plants?

The FSA office use to have a ok booklet on local plants, but really I would just google or any other search engine, any plant etc.. you might want to find out about, way to go, has pics, and just about anything you want to know you can find out.

Gail

 

[dun]

Your local NRCS office can help, but the large player herbicide sprayers get booklets all of the time from the various chemical companys. You might ask them if they have any.