What to plant?

[sinnerinspurs]

Hey, all.

So we've just obtained about 20 acres to put cattle and horses on. It currently has some sort of hay mix from what I can tell (a neighbor farm leased it for many years and used it for hay). I can definitely see clover, but other than that I'm not well versed in plants. I did take some pictures this spring, so I will post those later. Overall, though, I'm thinking I just need to reseed the entire plot. I'm having some soil samples run this month, so hopefully that will give me some insight on what I need to do in order to get it back to full potential.

I plan on grass feeding our stock as much as possible and our goal is meat cows. We will be starting off kind of small with just a handful of feeder calves, so ideally a range of plants that develop in the spring, summer, and fall would be great. We are in southwest Michigan for an idea of climate/soil.

I hope this is enough information to get some solid feedback. I've never raised cattle, so this will be a new experience. I've done a lot of research, but I'm kind of overwhelmed with so many decisions to make!

 

[M-5]

I would recommend you give your extention office a call. They Should have an agent that can come out and see what you have already. Over thinking things before you know what you have will give you false goals.

 

[Son of Butch]

Hey, all.
So we've just obtained about 20 acres to put cattle and horses on. I've never raised cattle, so this will be a new experience.
I've done a lot of research but I'm kind of overwhelmed with so many decisions to make!

Since you've done a lot of research, I don't know what direction to point you when no direct question was asked.
Michigan State University ag extension should be a good resource as to what grazing mix would be recommended in your area.

Running cattle and horses together in the same pasture is not a good mix.
So I would start by planning the fences and how each will be provided with water.
When feeling overwhelmed, focus on the basics.

 

[sinnerinspurs]

Sorry, I wasn't very clear. I will not be putting horses and cattle in the same pastures. I have a good idea of what I will be doing with the horses as I've managed them before. Cattle, not so much. I'm currently thinking high tinsel for fencing, but am open to other ideas. I want to stay away from barbed wire, though. As far as water goes, the plot is fairly close to the house so I'm thinking I will just have to run hoses until I get established and can put in automatics.

I will get in touch with the MSU extension. Thanks.