Over seeding behind pigs

rboutdoors · #1 03/08/12, 07:42 AM

We are in Texas and I was wondering what kinds of seeds are you guys throwing out when you move them to the next paddock? I am sure some clovers are mixed in but what else. Most native grasses say don't graze them for the first year and I don't want to spread Bermuda.

**highlands** · #2 03/08/12, 03:43 PM

We seed behind our livestock a mix of several grasses, clovers, alfalfa and other things. If you seed just before they leave an area or just before a rainstorm then it helps drive the seed into the soil making for good contact. We also use frost seeding. See:

http://sugarmtnfarm.com/2010/09/frost-seeding/

What's going to work in your hot Texas climate is going to be a bit different so I won't comment on the species choice but I would recommend a mix of grasses and legumes to start with.

I've also heard of people feeding the seed to their animals and having them spread the seed in their manure. I'm slightly dubious as the manure is in piles, at least to start with. We use a small hand broadcast seeder and have done up to 120 acres that way. Takes a while but driving a tractor on our steep, rocky mountain slopes is iffy.

gerold · #3 03/08/12, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rboutdoors

We are in Texas and I was wondering what kinds of seeds are you guys throwing out when you move them to the next paddock? I am sure some clovers are mixed in but what else. Most native grasses say don't graze them for the first year and I don't want to spread Bermuda.

http://www.mbsseed.com/

Did you check the above web site.

I plant Rye,Rape seed mostly. I think Rye and Rape would work there if you plant it early. Like now.

**highlands** · #4 03/09/12, 04:21 PM

We do rape and kale but I thought I had read that these don't do well in Texas heat. Perhaps in winter?

Ed Norman · #5 03/10/12, 05:48 PM

Hey Walter, sorry your advice was rejected by a third party. I've learned from you and you are far from me. I've learned from the New Zealand members and I doubt you could even get farther away than that.

On the other hand, the motto of this place is "Neighborly help and friendly advice", so maybe nobody should give help unless they are physically neighbors to the person asking.

Gabriel · #6 03/10/12, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed Norman

On the other hand, the motto of this place is "Neighborly help and friendly advice", so maybe nobody should give help unless they are physically neighbors to the person asking.

Or we could at least be friendly...

"Central TX" can be pretty big, but most of it is close to the last freeze so I'd skip the wheat and maybe try oats. I had very good luck with Millet as well as beets when I was in central TX.

rboutdoors · #7 03/11/12, 08:51 AM

I was thinking of broadcasting some millet. We do that for erosion control when it is too hot for rye.

All of what I will be doing will be broadcast. I will call that seed company Monday and see what they have to offer.

rboutdoors · #8 03/12/12, 08:31 AM

How well does the rape seed work around here? When should I seed? Can I broadcast it?