Foodplot and Hayfield?

[Truedouble]

Other than alfalfa, what can you plant for deer that make good hay? We are trying to compromise with the farmer that leases our property. I though clover made pretty good hay, but apparently he didn't like it. Trying to keep the peace so any thoughts? Alfalfa, might be the direction we go, but this particular spot is on the side of a hill which is good, but not as good of soil as our bottom areas. Just not sure how it would do. By the way, this is in southern Franklin Co.

 

[SEC]

I would say that alfalfa would struggle with the Tennessee climate especially on the side of a hill.

 

[Truedouble]

we've had good success planting alfalfa but it was down in the bottom where the soil is sandier. North Alabama is supposed to be about the cut off line for being able to grow it. We planted a field about 8 years ago that lasted 4 years before we had to replant. Supposed to do better on well drained soil, but certain soil types probably will not grow it as well as others.

 

[jmb4wd]

we've had good success planting alfalfa but it was down in the bottom where the soil is sandier. North Alabama is supposed to be about the cut off line for being able to grow it. We planted a field about 8 years ago that lasted 4 years before we had to replant. Supposed to do better on well drained soil, but certain soil types probably will not grow it as well as others.

Truedouble, you should Google X-42 Alfalfa. It's a fairly new variety, that is showing great results in the south. One of the areas that I saw it was in deep red Alabama clay and it looked great! DBW outdoors is a dealer fo r it here in the southeast.

Also there are a few threads about in over on the QDMA forums. Good luck with funding something!

 

[Diehard Hunter]

How about Timothy grass?

 

[Truedouble]

we've had good success planting alfalfa but it was down in the bottom where the soil is sandier. North Alabama is supposed to be about the cut off line for being able to grow it. We planted a field about 8 years ago that lasted 4 years before we had to replant. Supposed to do better on well drained soil, but certain soil types probably will not grow it as well as others.

Truedouble, you should Google X-42 Alfalfa. It's a fairly new variety, that is showing great results in the south. One of the areas that I saw it was in deep red Alabama clay and it looked great! DBW outdoors is a dealer fo r it here in the southeast.

Also there are a few threads about in over on the QDMA forums. Good luck with funding something!

Thanks. I'm going to check it out. Where is DBW?

 

[Boll Weevil]

How about Timothy grass?

Deer won't touch it.

 

[MickThompson]

What kind of clover did you use? I can't believe a farmer would not want clover in his hay. Ask him about red clover- it is thought of more as a "cow" clover, but the deer don't seem to know the difference.

Like Boll Weevil said, stay away from perennial grasses like timothy, orchardgrass, and fescue- deer don't eat them.

 

[AT Hiker]

Other than alfalfa, what can you plant for deer that make good hay? We are trying to compromise with the farmer that leases our property. I though clover made pretty good hay, but apparently he didn't like it. Trying to keep the peace so any thoughts? Alfalfa, might be the direction we go, but this particular spot is on the side of a hill which is good, but not as good of soil as our bottom areas. Just not sure how it would do. By the way, this is in southern Franklin Co.

We raise beef cattle and hay, our standard hay fields and pastures we strive to have 40 percent clover (red/white). This gives enough nitrogen so we can avoid N fertilizing, unless its a wet spring/fall. It makes great hay, the protein level is competitive with alfalfa. Down fall to alfalfa hay is the high inputs associated with it, plus equipment to harvest quality alfalfa hay is not the normal equipment used to harvest mixed grass hay. Go to your UT Extension county office, ask for mixed grass/clover hay quality results...then show your hay producer the proof. A lot of times old timer hay producers confuse quality with quantity....I suppose this is the case, as mix grass/clover hay is superb and when compared with other high quality hay like alfalfa and bermuda it is extremely cheaper to produce.

Here is our pasture/hay field mix (keep in mind priority #1 is cattle/hay profit but a close second is deer attractant); 40 percent red/white clovers frost seeded on average every other year, with the 50 percent in fesuce and orchard grass...I would also say the remainder is native grasses/weeds. We hardly ever drill fescue and the only reason we drill orchard grass is because my grandad likes the seed head!?!?!?! A soil test every year is a must, and make sure the hay producer does not cut the hay too short, we like a three inch stubble height.

Another, yet expensive option, is to drill winter wheat into the fields. The hay producer can then harvest the wheat as hay in early spring right before the wheat goes to late boot stage...this is affect the first spring cutting but makes great tasting hay for the cattle...just gotta make sure it cures right.

Too many factors to consider, so in hind sight go to your county extension agent and get him/her on your side and then show the proof to the hay producer.

 

[Truedouble]

thanks guys. Some good info.

 

[ram46]

broom grass and white clover

 

[tnbowhunter3]

plant a forage soybean and let the grass mix in...the deer will eat the beans and when the farmer cuts the field it will b about time for fall planting.