Many conversations I have about pastures with forage-livestock producers start with the question “What should I seed in my pasture?” Before that question should be addressed, the producer should first: define their objectives determine what types of livestock and classes within a livestock species will be grazing the pasture review soil data of the pasture on the “Web Soil Survey” sample soil and receive up-to-date soil test results develop a liming and fertilization plan if recommended by soil test inventory what currently is in a perennial pasture control problematic weeds, especially perennial weeds review crop rotation intervals of herbicides used the past two years consider source and quality of water evaluate whether the water source will reliably deliver water during dry weather determine what perimeter and interior fencing is needed to keep livestock in the pasture and paddocks think about whether hay storage or a corral will be in the[Read More…]