Calving Pasture Mix
$5.00 lb
Our Calving Pasture Mix is a blend of cool-season grasses designed to handle high hoof traffic and overgrazing that commonly occurs in spring-calving pastures. These grasses are quick to establish and form a thick sod that can hold up to high stocking densities. The species in this mix are also very early to green-up in the spring so their peak growth period correlates well with the timing of many cow-calf producers calving season.
Seeding Rate: 25 lbs./acre
| Package | 25 lb bag |
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Mix Ratios
Mix Ratios
| Forage Kentucky Bluegrass | 30% | |
| Premium Forage Tall Fescue | 20% | |
| Crested Wheatgrass | 20% | |
| Premium Forage Perennial Ryegrass | 10% | |
| Smooth Brome | 10% | |
| Switchgrass | 10% |
Product Guide
Planting
- Planting Time:
- Early Spring: after hard freezing conditions have ended
- Fall: allow 3-4 weeks of growth before the first killing frost
- Dormant: mid-late fall when temperatures are cold enough that seed will not germinate until the following spring. Soil temperature of 50 degrees or less.
- Seeding Rate: 25 lbs./acre
- Ideal Seed Depth: ¼” – ½”
- Seed should be drilled into a firm seedbed or broadcasted and packed.
Fertility
- If soil fertility levels are low, consider applying 25-50 lbs/acre of nitrogen when the crop reaches late-tillering to enhance establishment and first-year growth.
- If reduced crop growth is experienced after continuous grazing and/or harvesting, consider applying fertilizer or manure with rates based on expected yield goals and soil fertility levels.
- 1 ton of pasture forage requires approximately 45 lbs of N, 15 lbs of P2O5, 50 lbs of K2O, and 5 lbs of S
Weed Control
- Plant into a clean, weed-free seedbed.
- If weeds are present at planting, consider applying Glyphosate @ 32 oz/acre before or after planting but before crop emergence to control existing weeds.
- If heavy weed pressure is present after crop emergence, mow weeds to the height of the crop until the weed pressure subsides.
After the crop is established or at least tillering, the following herbicides can be used for additional weed control:
| Herbicide (active ingredient) | Rate | Notable Weeds Controlled |
| GrazonNext HL (Aminopyralid + 2,4-D) | 19-34 oz/a | Thistles, ragweed, goldenrod, dandelion |
| Milestone (Aminopyralid) | 5-7 oz/a | Thistles, ragweed, goldenrod |
| Crossbow (2,4-D + Triclopyr) | 1-4 qts/a | Thistles, dandelion, kochia |
| Surmount (Picloram + Fluroxypyr) | 1.5-4.0 pts/a | Thistles, leafy spurge, kochia, goldenrod, dandelion |
| Overdrive (Dicamba + Diflufenzopyr) | 4-8 oz/a | Thistles, ragweed, goldenrod, dandelion, kochia |
| Tordon 22K (Picloram) | 1-2 pts/a | Thistles, leafy spurge, goldenrod, dandelion |
| 2,4-D Amine/Ester (3.8 lb ae/gal) | 1-4 pts/a | Bull thistle, ragweed, dandelion |
*Always read and follow label instructions before making an application.
Disclaimer: All products and rates were provided by university-based sources and product labels. Always follow label instructions and consult your local chemical dealer and seed dealer before making any applications or planting of seed.
Management
- Nurse Crops: Spring seeded grass can be planted with a small grain nurse crop such as oats, barley, or spring triticale. Use 1/3 – ½ seeding rates of the nurse crop to avoid competing with new seedlings. Ex. 1 bushel of oats as a nurse crop vs. a full rate of 3 bushels.
- Nurse crops have little benefit to late summer/early fall seedings and are not recommended.
- Cutting newly seeded grass after about 60-75 days of growth will help control weeds and stimulate grasses to tiller, which thickens the stand.
- New pasture seedings should not be grazed much during the first year to allow grasses to establish. Grazing too early can result in livestock pulling up grass by the roots.
*Keep in mind grass plantings are a long-term project that may take several years to fully establish. One cutting of hay during the first year is a normal and acceptable return.
Multiple Regions
Every acre is different and our goal is to help you know what works best in your area. This 'Growing Regions' section showcases where this species works best. If you have any questions on product placement, feel free to contact our experts and we will help!
