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| Author |
Message |
    
Marci
| | Posted on Saturday, Apr 3, 1999 - 9:42 am: |   |
We just gained 6 acres of new land to pasture. Our 3 horses and pony are quickly outgrowing even our well managed two acres. I want to seed now, so the pasture is ready sooner. There is winter wheat in the field right now. My farrier suggested that I use that as a cover crop and plant now under that. New idea to me, what do you think. Any suggestions about planting would be great. I am in south western Ontario, Canada, about 1 hour north of Detroit, Mi. |
Chuck Reed
| | Posted on Saturday, Apr 3, 1999 - 9:43 am: | |
As stated, get localized assistance. In general, cover crops are a good idea if you have a little patience and don't want to use any chemicals. Expect the winter wheat to persist in declining amounts for a few years as the perennial plants get established. Make sure you plant something that makes good pasture. Hay crops may do that but they may not. Many plants thrive under a system that lets them grow to a certain stage unmolested and in return, they gladly yield their bodies to the bale. Continual grazing, on the other hand, puts different demands on a plant. |
The Advisor Vet, RN Oglesby DVM
| | Posted on Saturday, Apr 3, 1999 - 9:44 am: | |
I am unfamiliar with what grasses and crops will grow best in your area. Perhpas someone will write in with suggestions here. I also do not know what type services are available in Canda to help you. If you do not have a local extension available seek out a local farmer or equestrian whose pasture you think look great and ask their advice. I find pastures a lot like baking, sucess requires: starting with the correct, high quality, fresh ingredients and then attention to detail is required. The Advisor Vet, RN Oglesby DVM |
Wendy Parker
Member
Username: Nightwin
Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, Nov 29, 2003 - 9:24 pm: | |
At the advice of my local agricultural agent, I have planted winter wheat as a cover crop on my newly acquired farm in order to have some sort of grass growing this winter/spring for horses to graze on until next fall, when I move them to another ( by then) established pasture in order to establish an endophyte-free fescue pasture where the wheat was planted(again, at the advice of the ag agent.) I can't get a definitive answer re how safe a wheat pasture is, whether you have to worry about founder, and what the nutritive value of winter wheat is. The local "experts" tell me it is perfectly safe. I plan on continuing their diet of hay and pellets as needed, gradually weaning them from pellets if they maintain their weight. Thank you. |
S. T. Bruce
Member
Username: Kari
Post Number: 175
Registered: 3-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, Nov 29, 2003 - 10:50 pm: | |
If the wheat is all ready up and lush as it is here in NW Tn. it would be prudent to gradually introduce your horse to it. If you have just planted the wheat and it is only now starting to sprout then I doubt that your horse would have any problem adjusting to it. Several farms in my area plant wheat for a winter pasture and their horses appear fine and well nourished. Of course they applied fertilizer before or just after the planting. I have the same problem with Kentucky 30 fescue but removing the mares 45 to 60 days off the fescue prior to foaling has apparently solved the problem. |
Imogen Bertin
Member
Username: Imogen
Post Number: 438
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, Nov 30, 2003 - 3:16 am: | |
It's common practice here (Ireland) to stubble-graze horses in the winter on the aftergrowth of harvested wheat crops where fields are not due to be ploughed until spring. It usually puts a good bit of weight on the horses as the wheat leaves appear to have more carbohydrate than ordinary grass. They love it!
All the best
Imogen |
