to cut or not to cut for hay?

Doc · #1 09/22/12, 08:00 PM

Our fellows didn't come back to do the last cutting of the pastures, so now the question is: do we let them go or have go ahead and bush hog?

In some fields the grass is pretty high, but the cows seem to be grazing just fine.

We're in central NC, about 3-4 wks from average first frost. What we'd like to do is keep the fields green and good to go for as long as we can.

Appreciate advice, please.

myersfarm · #2 09/22/12, 08:27 PM

what kind of grass ?

Doc · #3 09/22/12, 09:53 PM

mainly fescue

myersfarm · #4 09/22/12, 09:59 PM

I would save money and let them graze it

agmantoo · #5 09/22/12, 10:46 PM

Doc

Have you read any of the rotational grazing conversations at the top of this forum in the "stickies"? Stockpiling fescue will maximize your forage and hold your feed expenses down. Do not cut the fescue!

topside1 · #6 09/23/12, 08:31 AM

I'm with Agman on this one, providing you have enough livestock to benefit from the over growth. Simply meaning if you have six head of cattle and 100 acres of pasture then I'd be mowing at least a good portion of it....Quick thoughts,,,Topside

Rocky Fields · #7 09/23/12, 09:45 AM

Fescue isn't much of a problem if you leave it for grazing.