Fall planning for spring forage seeding

Source: Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food

Producers know that farming is a matter of not only focusing on what needs to be done today, but also of planning ahead for the future.

In light of this, Todd Jorgenson with Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food (SAF) says there are a number of factors producers looking at seeding perennial forage stands next spring can consider this fall, prior to purchasing seed or making final decisions.

"They should identify what forage species are best adapted to their soil type, moisture conditions and overall climate. They should factor in how the forage stand will be utilized, be it for grazing or hay, and the type of animals that will feed on it. And they need to consider how the stand will fit into their overall range or forage management plan," Jorgenson said.

Different forage species are adapted to different growing conditions. Jorgenson says these adaptations are well documented, and should be reviewed prior to purchasing seed.

"Some species, such as timothy, are poorly adapted to dry conditions and prefer poorly drained, highly fertile soils," he noted. "Others, such as crested wheatgrass, are poorly adapted to flooding and will do well under lower fertility. Meadow bromegrass, on the other hand, is a species more broadly adapted to moderate flooding and drought, and with a moderate to high fertility requirement."

It is not uncommon for forage seed mixtures to contain all three of the species (timothy, crested wheatgrass and meadow bromegrass) or more, as well as one or more legumes. However, if these forage mixtures are for grazing, livestock given the opportunity will select their preferred species and under-graze the others.

"If your field is variable, containing larger areas of different soil types, it is better to divide up these areas and seed to a best adapted single- or two-species mix," Jorgenson said. "Fields that are highly variable with many small acreages of different soils may not be practical to divide, and seeding a diverse forage mix would be a good choice in these conditions."

According to Jorgenson, care should still be taken in selecting a mix that will be adapted to a producer's local conditions. "Planning done over the fall and winter months, prior to seeding, can prevent purchasing poorly adapted forage species or mixtures, and result in a more productive, long-lived stand," he stated.

This includes having a clear idea of how the producer intends to graze the new forage stand. Complex pasture mixtures may not only contain poorly adapted, short-lived species, but they are also difficult to manage.

Different species have different growth patterns and rates of regrowth. Jorgenson says the best way to manage for these growth and regrowth characteristics is to seed them alone or with an adapted legume. "This will eliminate livestock selective grazing, and also enable producers to monitor grass growth in paddocks much more easily to take advantage of the growth cycle of the forage," he stated.

"Planning now for spring seeding is time well spent."

More information and advice on planning for spring forage seeding can be found on the SAF website at http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/, or by calling the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377. SAF forage development specialists are also available through the SAF regional offices to help develop or review seed mixtures and grazing management plans, as well as to help with Environmental Farm Planning (EFP).

For more information, contact:
Todd Jorgenson, Forage Development Specialist, Ecological Services
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Phone: (306) 786-5859
E-mail: tjorgenson@agr.gov.sk.ca