Advice needed!!!

[cowcrazy]

We have a small field- 24 acres - that did not produce anything this year due to the drought.  We have had some rain in the last few weeks and I am trying to think of something we can plant that might provide some forage for fall/winter grazing.  Does anyone have any idea what would be good?  Our place is located in Mason, Texas.  Someone suggested Triticale, and we thought possibly winter oats.  Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.  Oh yes, I am willing to gamble a little bit, but do not want to go to far overboard on the cost. Thanks!

 

[vc]

I would go with winter rye  or winter rye and an oat mix.

 

[cowcrazy]

Thanks vc - I will look into that!

 

[Mark H]

Triticale has excellent drought tolerance and tillers out well under grazing pressure so is a good choice for ceral forage production.  Winter Rye (Fall Rye back in Canada) also works well particularly on bad soil.  Hybrid millet is also a good choice as it has good drought tolerance and doesn't have the problem of sorghum.  For reference look at: http://lubbock.tamu.edu/sorghum/pdf/b6044.pdf.  

 

[chambero]

Plant wheat - that's what nearly everyone down here uses.  You can even just sling it out if you dont want the expense of normal planting.  You will have grazing in a few weeks

 

[KSanburg]

Not sure what kind of temperature's you are going to be having, but oats and winter peas do really well and the peas have a lot of protein, they like cool weather and will tolerate a little freeze. And hope you don't have any turkeys around because they will try to out eat the cows.

 

[firesweepranch]

We put in 20 acres of annual rye and Kentucky 31 about 3 weeks ago and have about 6 inches of growth already. We used a no till drill at a rate of 15 pounds of each an acre. We are real happy with the results. But we were told we had to have it in by mid September or it would not have a chance to grow enough to graze. We did it for the same reason; a dry field because of the drought and need forage real bad so we have enough hay to get through the winter!
Good luck, but I would talk with an extension agent or local research facility to make sure you are on the right track before sinking money into something that you will get no return for.

 

[countyagent]

Id go with wheat, oats, or rye.  Unless you have an outlet for the triticale grain but, most places wont take it, especially an amount that small.  Wheat would be best in my mind.

 

[cowcrazy]

Thanks for all the suggestions.  I think we have decided to plant rye and oats, but now I think I will look into some wheat also.  Now if you guys could just help out with a little rain......

 

[sjcattleco]

Triticale and Turnips!

lots of tonage!