| Dear
Jeff,
I live in northeast Walnut, Mississippi (20 miles west of
Corinth) and have a top-ridge farm. I have mostly fescue with
some Bermuda. There was [Sericea] lespedezia, but that
was killed with last year's spraying for broadleaf weeds.
There are about 60 acres where I want to grow hay for horses.
Fescue and horse people don't mix here, and I have heard
stories about red clover, alfalfa, orchard grass, T44, and
so forth. What I need is the best cash crop for the area for
the horse customers (all square baling).
I don't mind putting in the effort now as this is part of
my retirement income.
Thanks for your guidance and advice,
Dave Cable
Dear Dave,
I don't have any firsthand experience with Mississippi agriculture,
so I can't tell you what will grow well for you. But I can
tell you what folks here in Pennsylvania grow for horses and
the types of crops we produce. Most horse folks are looking
for quality in any hay they buy. That means the bright green
color of young hay cut and made at the right time. Most want
a mixture of grass and legumes. For us that means timothy
and alfalfa. While I can sell other mixes, this is the one
that does the best for me. I know we do alright with orchard
grass, but we tend to stay away from clover and fescue. Talk
to your county Extenstion agent to find varieties that will
grow well in your part of the country, and pay attention to
that quality issue.
Hope that helps,
Jeff
Have some questions to Ask Jeff? E-mail
him directly at jeff.moyer@rodaleinst.org.
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