Best grass varieties for hay
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I'd like to know what considerations go into planting grasses for horses, especially EMS horses. I live in south central Idaho and our drought conditions are worsening. We are at about 5,000 feet above sea level and, in general, grass crops are a challenge in this climate. We are in a high desert ecosystem, dry, cold, windy, low water. My friend has grown hay here for many years and has always grown a grass/alfalfa mix. With predictions that some of her fields may only get first cutting this year and the knowledge she has gained about EMS, she is considering trying some grass. Which is better, Orchard grass or Timothy? Are there any other, preferably drought resistant, grass varieties that are recommended as stand alone crops or to use in a mix?
I'd greatly appreciate answers to these questions and any guidance as far as where and what to research. All that said, I'll update Jalila's Case Study in a few weeks, but the short story is: MUCH better. Sound, volunteers to trot in the round pens. Sole depth is increasing, Less bruising. Happier. Crest is pretty much consistently soft. Weight is staying down. Happy she is. Happy I am. Thanks to all of you! -- -Nancy K. with Jalila & Shiraz March 2021, Blaine county Idaho Case Histories: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Nancy%20and%20Jalila Jalila’s Photos: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=262313
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Nancy,
The best thing to do is contact your local agricultural extension agent and see what they suggest. There is no single "safe" answer here. The sugar and starch levels fluctuate widely depending on stresses like climactic conditions. Drought resistant grasses will have high sugar. It's the universal survival mechanism for grass. -- Eleanor in PA www.drkellon.com |
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Hi Nancy
I have been involved with my grower in getting best mineral profile for our hay. I contacted our extension agent just as Dr Kellon suggested. Understanding your soil and what it need to balance the minerals prior to growing is also important to get the best quality hay. -- Nancy C in NH ECIR Moderator 2003 ECIR Group Inc. President/Treasurer 2021-2022 |
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ferne fedeli
I'm sure the suggestions to contact your local extension agent is the best idea. Here in No. California (much different growing conditions, I'm sure), my local hay guy said that they have had better luck securing Meadow Grass than Orchard the last couple of years (when we have been in drought conditions). He said the grower told him that Meadow didn't need as much water as Orchard. Don't know if that is really true or not, but I like the Meadow better. Softer, and less weeds, etc. than Orchard used to be. Always low in ESC & starch too, so far anyway.
-- Ferne Fedeli Magic & Jack 2007 Point Arena, Mendocino County, California
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-- -Nancy K. with Jalila & Shiraz March 2021, Blaine county Idaho Case Histories: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Nancy%20and%20Jalila Jalila’s Photos: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=262313
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Thank you, Dr. Kellon, Nancy C., and feme fedeli
I will pass this information on. We will take your advice and hope for the best. -- -Nancy K. with Jalila & Shiraz March 2021, Blaine county Idaho Case Histories: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/files/Nancy%20and%20Jalila Jalila’s Photos: https://ecir.groups.io/g/CaseHistory/album?id=262313
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