Thinking about changing plans...have rye growing and will be

Brice Bultje

Charles Mix County, South Dakota

May 12 | 11:00 AM

Thinking about changing plans...have rye growing and will be grazing it off soon. I was going to plant beans into it but now with the amount of hay we went through this winter looking at planting something for grazing. Would be planted the first half of June...any recommendations. Thank you

Mentor

Doug Sieck

May 12 | 04:56 PM

I have done that after grazing the rye. It wasn't nearly as robust as the same mix planted as a full season cover, but when I considered how much rye biomass was grazed off in addition to the second crop it was substantial. Myix is similar to Van's. 15 sorghum Sudan, 5 pearl millet, 5 German hay millet. 1/2 lb turnip and 3/4 radish. Add dwarf Essex rapeseed, yellow blossom clover, small grains etc to suit your taste.

Mentor

Van Mansheim

May 12 | 04:14 PM

Brice, I'm in a similar situation as you as I have. I have failed wheat acres that I'm going to plant a Sudan grass, sorgum, and millet mix. Dan Forgey from the Gettysburg area has had success with this. Keeping soil health practices in mind, I've added a few pounds of brassicas to add diversity. We will cut and bale mid-August, hoping for some regrowth after that to graze this winter. Attached is the mix that I'm using.