Expert: Richard Clark - 5/20/2004

Question
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thank you very much richard---that was very helpful---i had another question pertaining to this subject.   i understand grass was cut and made into hay for the cows---because of the excessive weeding i understand they had to rotate pastures---my question is: how long does it takes, after a field is plowed and planted, for regular seed to grow into a grazing pasture?  thank you---if there is some sort of feedback system i will be sure to fill it out positively.---thank you very much---keith

Answer
When you cut grass for hay it is cut while it is still green but before the seeds are formed. Cutting the grass this way it would last many years. 8 to 10 years if you watch it close. But like anything after awhile the weeds do take over. After planting, within a month you could start grazing it. You must be careful that there is enough growing so they will not pull the plant up by the roots and don't let them graze too long, by walking on the new crop this  dig up the new grass. The new grass will be tender so they can bite if off and not pull on it like it will be when it gets older.
Hope this helps you, any time I can be of help just ask. Your thanks means alot more to me than some form to fill out.  Richard