Description
Pasture mixes are very popular for good reasons. They’re versatile and more forgiving of adverse soil and climate conditions than monocultures. However, mixes can require good management to keep ratios consistent. Byron Seeds uses a lot of trial experiments from across the Midwest to help put together compatible mixes.
Management
Use the equivalent of about 40 pounds of N to kick-start the seedlings. Clip the pasture when the seedlings are about 6 to 8 inches high to encourage density. Do not graze until firmly rooted. Rotational grazing is best to promote persistence. Manure or fertilizer in the fall will help with winter hardiness.
Establishment
An early fall planting is best using a Brillion seeder or drilled 0.25 inch deep into a well prepared seedbed. If a Brillion seeder or drill is not available, the seed can be broadcast and rolled firm with a cultipacker. We do not recommend broadcasting and seed that is broadcast is not supported by our replant policy. Make sure weeds are controlled before establishment. Spring planting is possible but competition must be suppressed. Most of the Upper Midwest is spring planted.
