Seeding yard with alfalfa/timothy?

[Kittikity]

With the rising costs of grain and hay, I was thinking of improving my goats grazing by seeding my yard with an alfalfa/timothy mix.. Where would I get seeds for this and how long would I have to wait before I could let the goats graze it?

[Naturaldane]

In the southern states I cant remember if its a fungus but believe it is, that will kill alfalfa if you try to grow it, thats why all of it comes from up north because that fungus cant survive the cold I believe is the reason.
IF Im wrong about the reason, then I am, but it just isnt something that can be done in the south that I know for a fact

[Freeholder]

I don't know about fungus, but I do know that alfalfa doesn't do well in the southern states. You might be able to grow annual alfalfa there; the perennial seems to need winter chilling hours in order to keep coming back.

The best thing to do would be talk to your local extension agent and see what legumes they recommend for pasture in your area. I'm sure there is something (though it may be a shrub, rather than a forb).

Kathleen

[joyceb]

We seeded with timothy and red clover. I also have tried to get some comfrey started - though everyone says it grows like a weed, I haven't had any luck yet. Planted beets in the garden for the goats too.

JoyceB

[Tallabred]

My goats LOVE the peanut hay - they turn their noses up to the alfalfa hay. Perennial peanut hay is very comparible to alfalfa in its make up - it is the southern alfalfa.

You would do much better to plant the peanut hay - even southern alfalfa is a hit and miss and very expensive.

[Kittikity]

Thanks for the input guys.. I'll look into the peanut hay, Tallabred, since you're closest to me and your info would pertain the best to my area.. I do have some kind of clover weed in my yard that I think my goats and rabbits will love..