Jogeephus
Well-known member
Been trying to expand herd but costs of clearing land seemed cost prohibitive. Since it seems God gave me more time than money, I thought I'd use the time he gave me in the clearing of new grass land. So far, this seems to be the most econmical way.
Started out with cutover slash and longleaf forest with galberry, wax myrtle, fetterbush and palmetto understory.
After sale of timber(IRS got the money - I got to keep the land), let land lie for a year during that time I sold lightered stumps to Hercules. They plucked the obvious ones and received about $10 per acre.
Next, I KG'ed the land ($160/acre)(Out of pocket $150/acre)
Getting started
Two hours into clearing
A while later
After completion, I let the windrows dry and then burn. Come in with an offset harrow and cut the dirt in two different directions. Since ph is around 5.5 to six, I then spread 2-3 tons of lime per acre. (Cost about $80 per acre)(OOP $230)
I then broadcast a seasonal grass and lightly harrow in. Then turn cattle on it for a season or two. This gives nature time to work on debris and me time to size up how many more stumps and things are out there. Usually, there are enough stumps for another sale. Once the cows have grazed it down, I pull cows off and sell stumps again. Since the last stump dog died a few years ago we walk through and flag the stumps for Hercules to be sure they "buy" them all - usually another $20 per acre.(OOP $210/acre)
After final stumping, I rework and burn the windrows until they are gone - usually take two more fluffings. (about $25/acre)(OOP $235/acre)
The next spring, I harrow and smooth the field and pick up any lighter that may be left and mark any stumps that were missed then either sprig or broadcast grass. (Costs dependent on grass used and number of stumps I have to pluck)
3rd Year
Tift 85 3rd Year
So far, I have been able to keep new pasture clearing costs between $200 and $350 per acre. By far, the cheapest has been pure grazing land and the most expensive is hay land. To me, the costs of clearing land is inversely proportional to the time spent clearing. If you want to cut hay by the end of the year, it will cost about $1000/acre. But if you will take your time and let nature help you - you can get it done a lot cheaper. Also, in doing it this way, it is in semiproduction and the cows can actually flip the bill for the clearing.
Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks
1, Garlon 4 is the nectar of the gods when it comes to new ground pasture establishment and is twice as effective if used in the fall of the year.
2. Patience is money you can buy cows with.
3. Test your soil, test your soil, test your soil
4. An offset harrow is worth owning but is not
indestructable. :lol:
5. Boomless nozzles for your sprayer are worth the money.
6. You can't grow too much grass.
Started out with cutover slash and longleaf forest with galberry, wax myrtle, fetterbush and palmetto understory.
After sale of timber(IRS got the money - I got to keep the land), let land lie for a year during that time I sold lightered stumps to Hercules. They plucked the obvious ones and received about $10 per acre.
Next, I KG'ed the land ($160/acre)(Out of pocket $150/acre)
Getting started
Two hours into clearing
A while later
After completion, I let the windrows dry and then burn. Come in with an offset harrow and cut the dirt in two different directions. Since ph is around 5.5 to six, I then spread 2-3 tons of lime per acre. (Cost about $80 per acre)(OOP $230)
I then broadcast a seasonal grass and lightly harrow in. Then turn cattle on it for a season or two. This gives nature time to work on debris and me time to size up how many more stumps and things are out there. Usually, there are enough stumps for another sale. Once the cows have grazed it down, I pull cows off and sell stumps again. Since the last stump dog died a few years ago we walk through and flag the stumps for Hercules to be sure they "buy" them all - usually another $20 per acre.(OOP $210/acre)
After final stumping, I rework and burn the windrows until they are gone - usually take two more fluffings. (about $25/acre)(OOP $235/acre)
The next spring, I harrow and smooth the field and pick up any lighter that may be left and mark any stumps that were missed then either sprig or broadcast grass. (Costs dependent on grass used and number of stumps I have to pluck)
3rd Year
Tift 85 3rd Year
So far, I have been able to keep new pasture clearing costs between $200 and $350 per acre. By far, the cheapest has been pure grazing land and the most expensive is hay land. To me, the costs of clearing land is inversely proportional to the time spent clearing. If you want to cut hay by the end of the year, it will cost about $1000/acre. But if you will take your time and let nature help you - you can get it done a lot cheaper. Also, in doing it this way, it is in semiproduction and the cows can actually flip the bill for the clearing.
Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks
1, Garlon 4 is the nectar of the gods when it comes to new ground pasture establishment and is twice as effective if used in the fall of the year.
2. Patience is money you can buy cows with.
3. Test your soil, test your soil, test your soil
4. An offset harrow is worth owning but is not
indestructable. :lol:
5. Boomless nozzles for your sprayer are worth the money.
6. You can't grow too much grass.
