Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Pasture Mix for High-Yield Forage for Livestock
What are the ideal growing conditions for pasture mixes?
What to expect from a pasture mix
Professional Dairy Cattle Pasture Mix
Professional Horse Pasture Mix
What is a pasture mix?
Pasture mixes are specialty seed blends that contain a combination of various species of forage plants. Some types of forage plants that may be included in a pasture mix include mostly grasses and legumes, but may also include brassicas, chicory, and plantain. These are grown together to produce a diversified, balanced food source for grazing livestock and wildlife.
Why use a pasture mix?
The goal of a pasture mix is to provide sustainable, high-quality livestock forage that is suited to the local climate, soil conditions, and the dietary needs of the grazing animals. Some common plants that may be included in a pasture mix may include alfalfa, ryegrass, clover, timothy, brome, and fescue. Pasture mixes are widely used in livestock production and wildlife management to provide food for a variety of animals.
What are the ideal growing conditions for pasture mixes?
The ideal growing conditions for a pasture mix will depend on the specific plant species included in the mix and the climate, soil, and other conditions where it will be used. However, there are some general guidelines for good growing conditions for pasture mixes.
Soil
Pasture mixes typically require well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.2-7.0). The specific nutrient requirements of the different species in the mix will also vary, so soil tests should be conducted to determine the fertility needs of the pasture.
Climate
Pasture mixes are usually composed of cool-season or warm-season grasses and legumes, and the mix should be chosen to match the local climate. For example, cool-season species such as clover, alfalfa, and fescue are well-suited to regions with cool, moist growing conditions, while warm-season species such as bermudagrass and sorghum are better suited to hot, dry climates.
Sunlight
Most pasture mixes require full sun to produce high-quality forage, although some species may tolerate partial shade.
Water
The water requirements of pasture mixes will vary depending on the species included, but most require consistent moisture for optimal growth. In regions with low rainfall, irrigation may be necessary.
Weed Control
Effective weed control is important for the success of a pasture mix, as weeds can compete with the desired forage plants for light, moisture, and nutrients. Good weed control practices include using a clear soil surface, planting at the appropriate time and depth, and using herbicides or other control methods as needed.
What to expect from a pasture mix
By providing these ideal growing conditions, a well-designed pasture mix can produce high yields of high-quality forage that provides a nutritious and sustainable food source for livestock and wildlife.
Professional Pasture Mixes
Professional Beef Pasture Mix
Professional Beef Pasture Mixture was created to meet the needs of producers who want to optimize animal performance and maximize per acre return. It’s also a good choice for hay producers who want a high quality, balanced hay.
FSG Professional Beef Pasture Seed Mix - 50.0 Lbs
Benefits
- Superior yield
- Excellent palatability
- High protein for maximum daily gain
- Endophyte-free fescue for maximum performance
- Strong persistence and re-growth that withstands grazing pressure
- Excellent drought tolerance and winter hardiness
- Disease resistance
Available Ingredients
- Enhance endophyte-free tall fescue
- Extend orchardgrass
- Summit timothy
- Pinnacle ladino clover
- FSG 408DP alfalfa
- Grand Daddy perennial ryegrass
- FSG 9601 red clover
- Marathon reed canarygrass
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Product Sheet
Professional Dairy Cattle Pasture Mix
Formulated to maximize performance of dairy cattle, Professional Dairy Pasture Mixture is a specially selected blend of unique, high-quality grasses, clovers, and alfalfas that provides a balance of exceptional yield, nutrition, stand persistence, and disease resistance. This mixture was created to meet the needs of producers who want to optimize animal performance and maximize per-acre return.
FSG Professional Dairy Pasture Seed Mix - 50.0 Lbs
Benefits
- Superior yield
- Excellent palatability
- High protein for maximum milk production
- Non-toxic endophyte fescue provides maximum performance and eliminates concerns about animal health
- Strong persistence and re-growth that withstands grazing pressure
- Excellent drought tolerance and winter hardiness
- Resists many common diseases
Available Ingredients
- Enhance endophyte-free tall fescue
- Extend orchardgrass
- Summit timothy
- Pinnacle ladino clover
- FSG 408DP alfalfa
- Grand Daddy perennial ryegrass
- FSG 9601 red clover
- Marathon reed canarygrass
View Product
Product Sheet
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Professional Horse Pasture Mix
Farm Science Genetics® Professional Horse Pasture Mixture North is a forage blend specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of horses, while withstanding their intense grazing pressure.
FSG Horse Pasture Seed Mix - 25.0 Lbs
Available Ingredients
- Extend orchardgrass
- Forage Kentucky bluegrass
- Summit timothy
- Boost perennial ryegrass
- Intermediate ryegrass
- Pinnacle ladino clover
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Product Sheet
