restoring a pasture

[pcdreams]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pcdream...7594170257786/

We've got about 8 acres in pasture with another 2 we could easily convert. I know it takes several years to build a good working pasture.

Here's what I know.. we have fescue grass and very little (if any) clover. Also lots of trash stuff there (cactus, brambles, and other weeds).

What we'd eventually like to do is management intensive grazing with dexters, as well as some goats,sheep.

Funds are tight but I'd like to get started soon. Heres my issue.

there is existing fence.. but, to feel safe, I'll want to replace most of whats there (3-4 strand barb probably 30 yr old) with perhaps woven wire or something else.

I also had soil test done and it needs quite a bit in way of nutrients, etc. these fields haven't been used in close to 30 years.

Where to start?

I'm thinking along the lines of mowing it this season instead of having hay taken off. This will build organic matter.

But after that should I overseed with clover.. or do my soil ammendments first?

Or would I be better off starting with the fence (I'm thinking reduced compaction issues here)

I know I've ask some of these questions before but can't locate those posts.

any good book recommendations or websites on the topic? I picked up a copy of "hands on agronomy" but I need more of a background in chem to understand a lot of it.

[Marilyn]

Have you read Joel Salatin's books? In more than one, he writes about how his grandparents amended the pasture he is now farming. I gained a lot from it and I don't even raise beef. I think you will gain an immense amount of direction from them.

[celticfarmgal]

PCD just how much seed do you need maybe we can barter I Have access to Fescue the deer clover seed and just about anything you could want REALLY CHEAP Message me

[Spinner]

Here's what I was told by an old timer who did it and claims it's the easiest way to improve the soil.

Repair or replace the fence and put some hogs in for a year or two. They will improve the soil for you and provide a cash crop to sell. Then seed in pasture grasses, let it grow for a season and it'll be ready for the cows.

I haven't tried that method, but I've been told by several old timers that it works.

[myheaven]

I agree with what spinner was told. you can train pigs to hot wire. Pig manure is the best fertilizer you can get.