----- Original Message -----
From: "gene schriefer" <sheepfarm@charter.net>
> Smooth brome has volunteered in some areas of our permanent paddocks,
> seems
> to be where the fertility is the highest. On crop acres, smooth brome
> (Rebound) was seeded with birdsfoot trefoil (Bull), where it is both hayed
> and grazed, it's persisted under this regimin for 5 years. Grazing
> doesn't
> start on it until it's about 12-14" tall and leave behind 5-6" of
> stem/leaf.
> Stocking density is about 1 lb/sq ft or higher. Recovery is slower after
> haying.
I've found PEAK to be the best smooth bromegrass, yes requires fertility but
at current income possibilities per acre from corn, soybeans, I believe
(Lightning III) alflafa-bromegrass must either compete or I'll grow
something more profitable.
>
>
> Gene Schriefer
Fat cattle prices need to increase, or the niche market price must compete
with other land use options right now. Yes, grazing can be profitable but
management is key. Personally I don't believe that Tall Fescue is
profitable use of my acres when white clover-perenial ryegrass produces
better tonnage and rate of gain. (Every farm is different and not everyone
can make ryegrass work). And while corn silage may appear costly up front,
the fact that corn silage compliments pasture intake makes it very cost
effective. Most of my hay harvest takes place on no rent acres, where
canarygrass is there for the cost of harvest. While no rent acre hay is not
free, I'd been foolish to pass up current commodity prices by raising hay on
corn and soybean acres.
Dave G.
