I don't know what the primary differences are between locust trees, that is
honey vs black, but we have plenty of black locust. Our cattle strip the
leaves off the new growth, managing to avoid the thorns. They really seem to
relish them. I will say that the trees can quickly spread and end up places
you don't want them, but are quickly killed with 2-4-D if the livestock
don't take care of them adequately.
These are very hardy trees, growing on a hilltop. All in all they create a
very nice shaded area, interspersed with hackberry trees. The canopy is open
enough that the cool season grasses do well underneath and allow for grazing
as well as lounging.
Judy
Renaissance Farms Ltd
Bill and Judy Decker
Emporia, KS
http://www.renfarms.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Oogie McGuire" <oogiem@desertweyr.com>
To: <graze-l@witt.ac.nz>
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 3:07 PM
Subject: [Graze-l] Honey Locust trees?
> Anyone have any experiences or comments on using honey locust trees
> as shade trees in pastures?
>
> We need trees to lamb under trees to prevent eagles from killing the
> lambs. Also, we've found that our sheep gain better and in general
> are much happier and less stressed with shade in mid summer. Our
> extension agent has suggested honey locust as a tree to plant for
> shade in our area. In addition to being fast growing, tolerate
> alkaline soils and fairly tough she mentioned that the pods are
> edible so in times of drought the sheep might be able to be fed on
> the fruits. Also, they are legumes so increase soil nitrogen rather
> than remove it.
>
> Sounds great but I'd like to get some real world experience to
> compare with. <G>
> --
> Oogie McGuire - oogiem@desertweyr.com
> Weyr Associates - Multimedia and Web Authoring Services & Consulting
> Desert Weyr - CMK Arabian horses and Black Welsh Mountain Sheep
> http://www.desertweyr.com/
> Paonia, CO USA
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