A Guide for Livestock Producers
Every producer knows that quality inputs lead to quality outputs. When it comes to livestock, the equation is simple: better forage equals healthier animals and a better bottom line. While corn and soybeans often grab the headlines, grass forages remain the backbone of many successful operations.
At Johnson Feed Company, we believe that treating your grass with the same management intensity as your row crops can unlock incredible potential for your farm. Whether you are running a cow-calf operation, finishing steers, or managing a dairy herd, optimizing your grass production is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Here is why focusing on high-quality grass forages matters and how to get the most out of every acre.
Why Grass Forages Make Sense
Growing grass specifically for forage isn’t just about filling a belly; it’s about strategic nutrition and farm economics. When managed correctly, grass offers a trifecta of benefits that are hard to beat.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
Feed costs are typically the largest expense for livestock producers. Reliance on purchased grains or hay can eat away at margins quickly when markets fluctuate. By maximizing the production of your own grazing acres or hay fields, you lower your dependency on external inputs. High-quality grass provides excellent energy and protein, reducing the need for expensive supplements.
2. Improved Soil Health
Grass is a regenerative powerhouse. Its dense root systems help bind soil structure, reducing erosion and improving water infiltration. Perennial grasses, in particular, build soil organic matter over time, sequestering carbon and creating a more resilient soil profile that can better withstand drought or heavy rains.
3. Sustainability and Longevity
Well-managed pastures can last for years, providing a consistent source of feed without the annual tillage and planting costs associated with row crops. This long-term approach supports a sustainable ecosystem on your farm, encouraging biodiversity below and above the ground.
Selecting the Right Species
Not all grass is created equal. The “best” grass for your neighbor might be the wrong choice for you. Selection depends heavily on your climate, soil type, and the nutritional needs of your livestock.
- Cool-Season Grasses: Species like Orchardgrass, Timothy, and Tall Fescue thrive in temperate climates. They offer peak production in spring and fall. These are excellent for hay production and grazing but may go dormant during the heat of summer.
- Warm-Season Grasses: Species like Bermudagrass, Switchgrass, or Sorghum-Sudangrass love the heat. They fill the “summer slump” when cool-season grasses slow down, providing crucial forage during July and August.
- Legume Mixes: Don’t forget the power of mixing in legumes like Alfalfa or Clover. They fix atmospheric nitrogen, naturally fertilizing the grass around them while boosting the protein content of the forage.
At Johnson Feed Company, we recommend soil testing before selecting your seed. Knowing your pH and nutrient levels will help you match the species to the environment, ensuring a strong stand from day one.
Preparing the Soil for Success
You wouldn’t plant corn without prepping the seedbed, and grass deserves the same attention.
Test, Don’t Guess: As mentioned, a soil test is non-negotiable. Grasses generally prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, lime applications will be necessary to unlock nutrient availability.
Weed Control: Eliminate competition before you plant. Weeds steal moisture and nutrients from young seedlings. Whether you use tillage or a burn-down herbicide, starting with a clean slate allows your new grass to establish without fighting for survival.
Seedbed Firmness: A common mistake is planting into a fluffy, loose seedbed. Small grass seeds need excellent soil-to-seed contact. The rule of thumb? When you walk across the field, your boot should hardly leave an indentation. A firm seedbed ensures consistent germination.
Maintenance: The Key to Longevity
Getting the grass out of the ground is step one. Keeping it productive is where management comes in.
Rotational Grazing
Continuous grazing often leads to overgrazed pastures and weak root systems. Implementing a rotational grazing system gives plants a rest period to recover and regrow. This not only increases the total tonnage of forage produced per season but also prevents livestock from selectively eating only the most palatable plants, which can allow weeds to take over.
Fertility Management
Grass removes significant nutrients from the soil. If you are cutting hay, you are exporting those nutrients off the field. If you are grazing, some return via manure, but distribution is rarely even. Regular fertilization—specifically nitrogen for grass growth, and phosphorus and potassium for root health and persistence—is vital.
Monitor Stubbles
Don’t graze or cut it too short. Leaving adequate stubble (usually 3-4 inches for most cool-season grasses) ensures the plant has enough leaf area to capture sunlight and regrow quickly. Scalping the field forces the plant to pull energy from its roots, weakening the stand over time.
Growing with Johnson Feed Company
Growing grass for forage is a science and an art. It requires planning, patience, and the right partners. At Johnson Feed Company, we are committed to helping you achieve the highest yields and the best nutrition for your herd. From selecting the right seed blends to advising on fertility programs, we are here to support your growth.
Ready to improve your forage program? Stop by or give us a call today. Let’s make this season your most productive yet.
