? Pasture Building?

[biggkidd]

I've been looking in to various ways to make good / profitable use of my land. Always wanted to run a few head of cattle. Read most of the sticky thread on rotational grazing. (great thread) So I've got a touch over three acres just cleared that I am planting this fall. Considering having another 6-10 acres timbered. If I get the stumps up on this also it will likely cost more that the timber will pay. I can't afford to much at one time. I was wondering if I might just clean up the slash and plant grass through the stump field. What I am thinking is run some goats in there, with the cows doing a rotational pattern. The goats will keep the new growth down and eventually kill off the stumps. Has anyone done this? If I were able to go this route it will move the time table up 6 months to a year. It will also let the timber pay for fencing and seed instead of stump removal.

Thanks
Larry
A World Away

[jwal10]

Level the best you can and seed. Let the stumps rot, you can always work on them later. Backhoe pops them right out when the roots rot away, not much damage to pasture. Fence the perimeter of the property and let the cattle and goats clear a lot of the brush, they don't really hurt big trees. Growing up Dad had 50 acres of woods, over 20 years 1/2 was made into great pasture and 1/2 was a good wood lot. He kept selective logging it for 50 years but there was little underbrush. The key is to not over graze the property so that the animals don't damage the pasture or trees. Plant a good permanent clover, subterannean clover works good here. Seeds low and comes back for ever. If grass is strong fertilize with 10-20-20, if clover is strong fertilize with 16-16-16. Plus you have the manure....James

[biggkidd]

James,

Thanks you and I think the same. This idea of running a few head of cattle makes me much happier than Xmas trees. Never could work up much for that. Now I just gota get some est. on timbering. Planting K31 in the next two to three weeks. I'll try for some clover too.

Thanks Again
Larry
A World Away

[o&itw]

If you are planting on an area that has just had the timber removed, then you will need some lime; the soil will be very acidic. The clover is important: red, alsike, ladino, or all three. I am a big fan of the red myself. Innoculate the seed, too, since it is a new pasture.
http://www.pogueagri.com/Clover_and_...oculation.aspx

Not touting any brand, this is simply a good explanation.

[biggkidd]

Well made the first step today picked up 100 lbs. Kentucky 31 I'll try and get some clover next week. I would like to get this seeded asap even though it will likely get torn up and have to be redone as other work progresses. Just want to hold the soil in place for now.

Does southern states sell bulk lime?

Thanks
Larry
A World Away