Starting a bermuda hay field

[rowdyred]

We've rented out about 30 acres to local farmer, he has planted cotton and soybeans on this land for about 20 years. he's not planting it next year (2017). I want to plant bermuda for hay. It's good fertile land but not irrigated. My thinking is, after he harvest, get soil sample. Here's my real question. After I get the bermuda started ( sprig or till it in), I probably want be able to cut enough hay to sell in first year. So, should I plant fescue that first year and get hay from that? then spray and kill it out? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Have a great Day!

 

[Bigfoot]

I'm a total failure, at establishing bermuda, so take my advice, with a grain of salt. If you've got a fertile tilled bed to start from, that's the best place. Fescue seems to be what stops me from getting established.

 

[Rajela]

You don't want anything to be in competition against your Bermuda.

 

[Jogeephus]

Don't think that will work very well. I'd just bite the bullet and devote my time to establishing the bermuda because it doesn't need the competition - like Rajela said. Once sprigged I'd also spray the dirt with 2,4-D right after sprigging. When I followed a gurus advice to the letter I got three cutting of bermuda the first year. Granted the first two were light but the last was a good one. Keep it cut so it will run and spread and keep the weeds out of it.

 

[rowdyred]

Great advice!!! Thank You!

No fescue

 

[JSCATTLE]

I sprigged Tifton 85 a few years back .. waited 60 days and got 3 rolls to the acre .. unfortunately my rake pulled up all the runners and the coastal took over .. if I had to do it again id just bush hog it the first year..