Speaking of rye grass....

[whitewing]

...how long does it take a stand to reach a point where one can graze cattle?

I've not seen it grown here and don't honestly know that it'd do well but it sure seems that once our winter (wet season) sets in, it'd generally be cool enough in the evenings to make a decent stand. From what I recall planting it for deer hunting back in the states, it grows fairly rapidly, especially with a decent rainfall or two to get it going.

 

[cypressfarms]

The most important thing with ryegrass is to make sure that the grass is tall enough to be grazed without pulling the roots up. It will depend on how wet your pasture is and how tall the ryegrass is. I normally wait until it gets at least 5 or 6 " high and then only let them in if the field is not muddy.

If I remember correctly from the seed rep that I talked to 50 and 90 degrees are the two critical temperatures for ryegrass. Above 90 degrees (F), and ryegrass will die off. Above 50 degrees is prime growing temperature. Below 50 it will still stay alive, but will not grow at a high rate.

I also fertilize it when it gets a good stand going (around 3-4" tall), preferably right before a rain. :nod:

 

[whitewing]

Thanks Cypress! How's the boudin back home?

 

[cypressfarms]

How's the boudin back home?

The boudin is always good. My dad says that I'm not a real cajun (coon ass) because I won't eat red/blood boudin; I only eat the white.