Pasture Establishment

As the world’s leading grazing forage genetics provider Barenbrug has a cool season pasture mix for your irrigated pasture needs. Grazing irrigated pasture is becoming more common in the western United States and Canada, and producers are turning to Barenbrug for their irrigated pasture needs. Barenbrug’s genetically superior grass provides outstanding productivity, rapid gains, high milk per ton, and a forage alternative for irrigated crop ground that reduces water needs and improves soil health while providing grazing opportunities. As industry leading livestock producers and farmers develop irrigated pasture programs, they are looking to Barenbrug’s world leading forage genetics for their irrigated pasture forage solutions.

Grazing irrigated pasture is an important method of providing forage for livestock in areas of low and unpredictable rain

When it comes to developing an irrigated pasture grazing program you seed what you get. Good grazing starts with great grass….if managed correctly your irrigated pasture will only be planted once and it will never be better than the forage genetics you utilize so plant the best, plant Barenbrug!

typical of most of the western United States and Canada, where producers are increasingly looking for more productive ways to manage their challenging production environments. Producers are finding that utilizing irrigated pasture allows them to control when and how much moisture is applied minimizing the impact of unpredictable seasonal rain and drought. Being able to apply the correct amount of moisture exactly when it is needed is an enormous advantage for irrigated pasture providing greatly increased productivity.

This Pasture Establishment Guide is designed to provide key insights into how to utilize and manage perennial Barenbrug grass in an irrigated pasture setting to help your operation gain maximum value from Barenbrug genetics. Barenbrug’s objective is to help you successfully achieve your goals while using Barenbrug forage genetics.

Key Success Factors for Establishing a Barenbrug

Perennial Irrigated Pasture

When to Initiate Grazing?

To Do List for Newly Seeded Pasture Converting Crop Ground to Pasture

Weed Management During Establishment Rejuvenating an Existing Pasture by Direct No-Till Planting Barenbrug Seed

Routine Pasture Maintenance: Overseeding or “Stitching” into an Existing Barenbrug Pasture

How Does Grass Grow?

How Long Will My Pasture Last?

Glossary Glossary

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Recommended Resources Recommended Resources

Pasture Establishment

Establishing perennial irrigated pasture is generally a straightforward process, however, to be successful there are some key principles that must be followed without exception. Independently, each of these principles may seem remarkably simple and unimportant, however, the principles build upon each other and if any principle is skipped it may limit planting success and may even cause complete planting failure. There are no short cuts or skipping steps if planting success is the goal.

Key Success Factors for Establishing a Barenbrug Perennial Irrigated Pasture

1. 2. 3. 4.

Planting the right seed (Barenbrug seed) at the right time (see planting windows above), at the right amount (see seeding rate), at the right depth (1/4 inch), into the right seedbed (firm) are critical – there is no substitute for this.

Keeping adequate but not excessive soil moisture during establishment is critical – short but frequent irrigations to keep soil moist but not muddy works well and encourages root development. There is no replacement for appropriate moisture level.

During the initial establishment phase perennial grass is primarily focused on developing its root system during the first year or two. Because of this:

• Fertilization with Phosphorus to support root growth should be applied as needed according to soil test ahead of planting.

A light (25 – 30% utilization) initial grazing when the grass has grown to 10 inches tall is advised to encourage tillering, however, it is critical to keep at least 6 inches of residual in the new stand to maintain root development.

When to Initiate Grazing?

Giving an exact date or number of days after planting is impossible. However, Fall planted stands might be able to be lightly grazed by the next late spring or early summer, while spring plantings might be ready for a light initial grazing by late summer or early fall. However, under less-than-optimal conditions grazing may need to be deferred for an entire grazing season. Grass is ready for its first initial light grazing when it is at least 10 inches tall and is firmly rooted.

• First grazing should be very light, 25 - 30% utilization max, leaving at least 6 inches of residual.

• Grass is ready for its first grazing (or haying) when the following two conditions are met:

• Pulling on a handful of grass does not dislodge the grass from the ground, and

• The grass is a minimum of 10+ inches tall and has reached the 4th leaf stage

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Pasture Establishment

To Do List for Newly Seeded Pasture:

First Weeks After Planting:

Regularly check and maintain adequate soil moisture

Regularly check for emerging weeds. If it fits within your management program spray to prevent weeds from becoming established. Clipping can also be used to control annual weeds.

First Harvest

Lightly grazing or haying a new stand when conditions are dry enough to not cause pugging encourages tillering creating a denser stand. Wait to graze until grass is firmly rooted and is at least 8 inches tall. Do NOT graze or clip the first harvest below 6 inches. New stands of grass are especially susceptible to damage by short grazing or mowing. If haying it is important to put-up and remove the hay as quickly as possible to avoid smothering the young grass underneath the windows and bales. Leave at least 4 inches of residual.

First Spring

New stands of grass grow very rapidly in the spring.

They need to be grazed or hayed frequently to keep them leafy and to encourage the grass to tiller and to allow clovers/legumes to establish. However, a light (25% utilization) grazing is advised.

First Summer

Be gentle on a new stand of grass in dry and hot conditions especially on low organic-matter soils.

It is critical to leave at least 4 inches of stubble/residual height to preserve energy reserves found in the basal stem, which will allow for better and faster recovery with irrigation & rain, higher forage quality, and will protect soil and roots from high temperatures.

Apply nitrogen periodically in conjunction with rain or irrigation (see fertilization recommendations).

First Fall

It is critical that a new stand of grass to go into winter neither too short nor too tall. 4 inches is ideal for most cool season grasses.

Time Fall nitrogen fertilization to feed the plants early enough in fall as to not encourage growth just before winter. Use a light application rate of no more than 40 units of N.

For most areas mid-August to mid-September is the appropriate time for nitrogen applications, which allows the grass time to utilize the N then slow down well before winter.

If there is excessive growth in late fall, lightly graze the pasture when weather permits.

First Winter

Only apply manure if the field is completely dormant or covered with snow.

Applying manure on green, non-dormant grass can stimulate growth making the stand susceptible to winter injury.

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Pasture Establishment

Converting Crop Ground to Pasture

Irrigated pasture is often developed by converting farm ground previously used to grow row crops. Additionally, farmers are learning that incorporating a 3 – 5-year perennial pasture “break crop” or short term perennial pasture into their crop rotation is an excellent way to improve soil health by building soil organic matter (SOM). The economics of converting crop ground to pasture can be very favorable when considering the positive benefits of perennial grass and livestock impact on long-term soil health, and the revenue grazing provides as an offset.

Key Considerations when Converting Crop Ground to Pasture:

Potential Harmful Residual Herbicide

• When planting after row crops it is important to consider previous herbicide application since residual from certain herbicides used in row crops, especially corn can affect grass establishment

• Check with agronomist to ensure there won’t be any residual herbicide conflicts

• Herbicides used in corn such as Atrazine have an especially long residual and are particularly harmful to grass

Probable Need to Mitigate Soil Compaction

• Ground that has been farmed for extended periods of time likely has a compaction layer. Breaking the compaction layer by including deep rooted forbs such as chicory, or by first uses a cover crop mix that includes brassicas can help with this, or by mechanical methods is advised in certain situations.

• Over time perennial grasses will help break up a compaction layer depending on severity and depth; however, it is a long-term process and there are some cases in which mechanical methods should be considered.

Will Likely Need to Jump-Start Soil Biology

• Long-term continuous farming can have a detrimental effect on the soil health both on nutrient cycling, water cycling, soil biodiversity, and soil compaction.

• The addition of perennial grasses into a crop rotation will contribute to fixing or protecting these systems, however, under severe conditions it may take numerous years to begin to approach a level near complete recovery. We encourage farmers to monitor and give the perennial grass rotation at least 3 – 5 years to re-set the biological systems and build soil organic matter (SOM) important to soil health.

May

Need to Use a CoverGraze or Break Crop as an Intermediate Step

• Utilizing a cover crop, such as those found in Barenbrug CoverGraze between the cash crop and panting perennial grass may be beneficial to manage weed load, improve soil health and functional biological activity, break up compaction, and provide a break in the weed seedbank cycle.

Weed Management During

Establishment

• Significant weed pressure during first year is not uncommon since the act of planting creates an ideal environment for weed seeds already present in the soil to germinate and flourish. This usually isn’t harmful to the long-term success of a planting as long as the grass is able to able to grow to at least 4 – 6 inches before the weeds dominate. Under these conditions without weed management first year yield will be negatively impacted and may delay pasture utilization.

• Usually by the second year after planting the grass will out compete the weeds and will dominate going forward.

• If extreme weed pressure occurs, it is advised to implement some form of control which could include mowing or the use of an herbicide.

• Consult with an agronomist for Herbicide options. 2,4-D based products are a common option, but are harmful to legumes (Alfalfa, clover etc.) and broadleaves (including desirable broadleaves like chicory, plantain etc.)

• It is advised to wait to spray for weeds until the grass has reached the 3rdleaf stage.

• If mowing, make sure to leave at least 4 – 6 inches of stubble height to avoid damaging the newly planted grass. It is recommended to mow early before weed height is excessive to avoid an overabundance (> 2 inches) of plant material after mowing which could shade out or suffocate the young grass.

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Key Success Factor for Converting Farm Ground to Perennial Pasture:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Some residual/mulch, an inch or two can be beneficial to maintain proper soil moisture for germination and emergence and to support soil microbial population, however an excessive amount (more than 3 or 4 inches) will limit establishment. Manage to maintain around an inch or less of mulch

Consider the weed seed bank – utilizing cover crops can break weed seed cycle

Incorporating deep rooted forbs such as chicory and brassicas such as radish, turnips, rapeseed etc. will help improve soil health

Soil Test and fertilize as needed.

Soil microbial activity can be boosted by using pre-inoculated seed and by applying biologically active amendments such as compost etc.

Residual herbicide from previous cash crop can be an issue – consult your agronomist

Pasture Establishment

Rejuvenating an Existing Pasture by Direct No-Till Planting Barenbrug Seed

No-till planting directly into an existing stand is used by some to protect soil biology, avoid erosion and to minimize planting expense by eliminating seedbed preparation. This practice can successful if care is given to follow a few basic principles, however, it comes with a higher risk of establishment failure, and takes longer for the newly planted grass to achieve full establishment. Here are recommendations to increase the odds of success:

• Increase seeding rate by at least 20%. For most Barenbrug seed mixes that means planting at least 30 – 35 lbs. per acre.

• Evaluate current stand (pasture), for species composition, stand thickness and overall health before deciding what to plant and when to plant it.

• If upon evaluation it is determined that:

• The current species mix in the pasture are good but thin, this is ideal conditions for direct no-till planting of Barenbrug grass directly into the pasture.

• Predominate species in the existing pasture are undesirable, a complete herbicide burn down ahead of planting should be considered.

• The current stand is excessively thick, regardless of if they are desirable or not, it is critical to decrease the amount of canopy ahead of planting.

• Limit competition - limiting the amount of competition for sunlight, water and soil nutrients between the existing plants and the newly seeded grass is critical. Ahead of emergence of newly planted grass it is advisable to use an herbicide. A light ½ -3/4 rate can be applied if the existing stand has mostly desirable species or use a heavier rate if mostly undesirable plants exist. Using fire to burn the pasture or utilizing heavy grazing ahead of planting to decrease canopy (competition for sunlight) have also been used successfully

Routine Pasture Maintenance: Overseeding or “Stitching” into an Existing Barenbrug Pasture

All pastures except the very best, most well-managed pastures under ideal conditions, benefit from a regular maintenance program in which a small amount of Barenbrug seed is no-tilled into the existing pasture on an annual or every 2 - 3-year schedule. This is especially true of pastures under constant heavy grazing pressure, and ironically pastures of low-pressure grazing pressure in which grazing selectivity is high. Under these conditions we recommend no-till planting around 10 – 15 lbs. per acre of either the original Barenbrug seed mix or equivalent amount of the grass species receiving the heaviest grazing pressure. For example, dairies grazing Barenbrug DairyMaster Pro will often implement an annual maintenance program in which they no-till plant (“stitch”) perennial ryegrass into a portion of their pastures every year or two since it is the grass cows most often seek out and overgraze.

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Pasture Establishment

How Does Grass Grow?

In the spring when soil temperatures reach the 40 – 50-degree mark above ground growth starts to take place with the grass plant developing new tillers or shoots located near the crown of the plant found in the basal stem (the first 4 inches of stem above the ground). The tiller buds which were developed the previous fall become new stems of spring growth from which leaves will be developed. The first and second leaves are grown using the energy (carbohydrates) the plant stored in its basal stem, and to a less degree roots of the plant, the previous growing season. Not until the third leaf is fully developed will the plant get all its energy from photosynthetically created energy. Bottom-line: It is critically important to leave the basal stem of grass intact over winter to protect its energy stores, and tiller buds which will become next seasons growth.

How Long Will My Pasture Last?

This is a common question that is difficult to answer because it depends almost entirely on how the pasture will be managed. Although Mother Nature of course influences stand life, management has the greatest effect since even under stressful conditions (drought, severe cold etc.) management can be applied that will usually keep a stand alive. The biggest effect on how long a pasture will persist is how the pasture is grazed. The grasses in Barenbrug’s mixes will live indefinitely by constantly reproducing themselves through tillering, however the one thing all grasses can’t withstand is prolonged poor grazing management, especially when combined with stressful conditions (drought, winter kill, pest etc.). Good grazing management strengthens the health of grass and the soil food web. Adapting grazing management according to the current prevailing conditions is the key. If you want your stand of grass to persist for decades, applying good grazing management is the key (see section on grazing management).

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Glossary

* Contact your Barenbrug representative or Barenbrug distributor/dealer with any questions; Bryan Weech, Barenbrug Market Development Manager, bweech@barusa.com, (M) 541-806-7333

Developing MiG Grazing Cells Under Center Pivot Irrigation, American GrazingLands Service LLC, www. americangrazinglands.com; (P) 208-876-4067

A Guide to Pipeline, Water Block, and Tire Tank Installation, American GrazingLands Service LLC, www.americangrazinglands. com; (P) 208-876-4067

Electric Fence Basics for Permanent and Temporary Applications, American GrazingLands Service LLC, www. americangrazinglands.com; (P) 208-876-4067

MiG Basics: Grazing for Pasture & Livestock Needs, http://argrazinglandscoalition.org/conference/2012/presentations/ gerrish_mig_basics_grazing.pdf

Books -

Management-intensive Grazing: The Grassroots of Grass Farming. Green Park Press, 2004

Kick the Hay Habit: A Practical Guide to Year-Around Grazing. Green Park Press, 2010 Videos -

MaiaGrazing Scholars - Grazing Management for Targeted Animal Performance, https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Oa0CshKMZFw

MaiaGrazing Scholars: Creating Excellent Pasture from the Soil Up, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C34q58kJJjM

MaiaGrazing Scholars - Getting your Grazing Season Started on the Right Foot, https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Pn2ky0w4NUc

How Paddock Design Impacts Grazing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toms9g-qKio&ab_channel=MaiaGrazing

WBDC - 2015 Field Day - Gerrish - What Really Matters in Grazing Management, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ hriuIvdrV0

WBDC - 2015 Field Day - Gerrish - Pasture Improvement: How Do You Know It Will Pay? https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=IJ_1qGLRpqI

Get the Hay Out! Planning for Successful Year-round Grazing, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SD8uZSrVHnM

Wasting Grass, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X_Bz91zWOw

Why You Should Be Out of the Hay Business, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eiaaXmhOUU Management-intensive Grazing Systems, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4UWBcGz48g

Irrigated Pasture Guides, Books, Presentations & Articles: Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest, Ch 6 Principles of Pasture Irrigation; H. Neibling, M. Bohle, C. Falen University of Idaho Extension CIS 392, Southern Idaho Fertilizer Guide, Irrigated Pastures by Glenn Shewmaker, Jason Ellsworth, and Scott Jensen; https://www.extension.uidaho.edu/publishing/pdf/cis/cis0392.pdf

Irrigated Pastures for Grass-Fed Beef, Managing Irrigation for a Quality Product; Robert Scriven, Grazing Consultant, Kearney, NE; http://www.ncrcd.org/files/1613/8082/3044/Irrigated_Pastures_for_Grass-Fed_Beef.pdf

UNL Beef; Guides on Perennial Grass Irrigated Pasture; https://beef.unl.edu/perennial-grass-irrigated-pasture NRCS, Pastures for Profit: A Guide to Rotational Grazing (A3529); https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/ stelprdb1097378.pdf

Colorado State University, Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) on Irrigated Pasture; https://extension.colostate.edu/topicareas/agriculture/management-intensive-grazing-mig-on-irrigated-pasture-0-571/

Video: Perennial Forages for Irrigated Pasture 1; UNL BeefWatch; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SfGrpdTvlI&ab_ channel=UNLBeefWatch

Video: Establishing Irrigated Pasture 2; UNL BeefWatch; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woCOzKthP-k&ab_ channel=UNLBeefWatch

Video: Fertilizer and Water Management for Irrigated Pasture 3; UNL BeefWatch; https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=g8nYIzYUXAc&ab_channel=UNLBeefWatch

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Jim Gerrish Jerry Volesky

Video: Grazing Management of Irrigated Pasture 4; UNL BeefWatch; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9tYLRM5y74&ab_ channel=UNLBeefWatch SD8uZSrVHnM

Video: Irrigated Pasture Management to Lengthen the Grazing Season, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ h9b2vdc3QU&ab_channel=WSUCAHNRS

Article: Irrigated Pastures for Livestock, Cattle Producers Handbook; Frank Hendrix, Washington State University; https:// s3.wp.wsu.edu/uploads/sites/2083/2020/07/CATTLE-PRODUCERS-HANDBOOK-Irrigated-Pastures-for-Livestock-Grazing.pdf

Video: Intro to Adaptive Grazing - Part 1: Introduction to Adaptive Grazing w/ Dr. Allen Williams, https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=AKIUxureqvM

Video: Intro to Adaptive Grazing - Part 2: Principles & Practices of Adaptive Grazing w/ Dr. Allen Williams, https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=7lcXWNO2Ero

Video: Intro to Adaptive Grazing - Part 3: Implementing Successfully w/ Dr. Allen Williams, https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=7McbvDrJyu0

Grazing Consultants, Mentors, and Training:

Jim Gerrish, American GrazingLands Service LLC, www.americangrazinglands.com; (P) 208-876-4067

Allen Williams, Understanding Ag, https://understandingag.com/ Dallas, Mount, Ranching for Profit, https://ranchmanagement.com/about-rmc/ Lost Rivers Grazing Academy; https://www.uidaho.edu/cnr/rangeland-center/projects/lost-rivers

Suggested Resources on Soil Health, Soil Food Web and Regenerative Agriculture:

Nicole Masters, Integrity Soils, https://www.integritysoils.co.nz/; author of book: For the Love of Soil; Strategies to Regenerate Out Food Production Systems Dr. Jill Clapperton, Rhizoterra, https://www.rhizoterra.com/ Dr. Elaine Ingham, Soil Foodweb Lab, https://www.soilfoodweb.com/ Dr. Christine Jones, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4uVKIGBk2s

Ray Archuleta, Soil Health Academy, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwv-HJnGHMA

Book: Teaming with Microbes. Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis; Timber Press

For questions about this guide or any other question about Barenbrug forages for irrigated pasture contact: Bryan Weech, bweech@barusa.com, (M) 541-806-7333

9 Glossary

Jerry Volesky Frank Hendrix Allen Williams

Recommended Additional Resources

* Contact your Barenbrug representative or Barenbrug distributor/dealer with any questions; Bryan Weech, Barenbrug Market Development Manager, bweech@barusa.com, (M) 541-806-7333

Irrigated Pasture Guides, Books, Presentations & Articles:

Jim Gerrish -

Developing MiG Grazing Cells Under Center Pivot Irrigation, American GrazingLands Service LLC, www. americangrazinglands.com; (P) 208-876-4067

A Guide to Pipeline, Water Block, and Tire Tank Installation, American GrazingLands Service LLC, www.americangrazinglands. com; (P) 208-876-4067

Electric Fence Basics for Permanent and Temporary Applications, American GrazingLands Service LLC, www. americangrazinglands.com; (P) 208-876-4067

MiG Basics: Grazing for Pasture & Livestock Needs, http://argrazinglandscoalition.org/conference/2012/presentations/ gerrish_mig_basics_grazing.pdf Books -