What can I plant for summer pastures?

It's a typical North Carolina spring that has us bundled up in the morning and in flip-flops in the afternoon; however, with temperatures getting into the 80's, it's undeniable that summer is right around the corner.  As our cool-season forages begin to lose productivity, it's time to start preparing our summer pastures.

In North Carolina, we're fortunate to have a diverse range of warm-season annuals and perennials to choose from for our summer pastures.  However, to establish a strong, healthy stand that can withstand our hot (and often dry) summers, it is important to PREP AND FERTILIZE OUR PASTURES.

Next is determining which warm-season forage will work best in your pasture and grazing management.  Warm-season forages are divided into 2 categories: Annuals and Perennials.  Annuals are cheaper and usually grow rapidly and provide a lot of forage; however they usually only survive one summer.  Perennials on the other hand, once established can potentially last a lifetime if managed properly.  However, they are much more expensive and require more careful management and care after planting than annuals.

The following are a few examples of both annual and perennial forages that work well in North Carolina.  If you have any questions or would like to see what other options grow well in your area, contact your local Cooperative Extension Office: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/local-county-center/ 

Annuals:

Pearl Millet: Millet is a great choice for most grazing animals due to its fast growth. It resembles the corn plant in its early and vegetative stages, but with much more leaves. Millet should be allowed to grow about 18 inches before grazing, and then don’t allow animals to graze it lower than six inches. Grazing below this point will cause the plant to have poor re-growth and your stand will suffer. Planting rate: Broadcast: 20-25 lbs/ac; Drilled: 15-20 lbs/ac; depth of .5-1.5 inch; plant between April 20- June 20

Sorghum/Sorghum Sudans: These grasses are very similar in look and growth to Millet. The same recommendations for grazing heights for Millet also apply to these. One big difference is that members of the Sorghum family contain dhurrin, a glucoside that breaks down to release hydrocyanic acid also known as prussic acid. This acid is released after the plant is stressed, such as in a drought or after a frost. Prussic acid can be deadly so care should be taken when grazing this type of forage. Planting rate: Broadcast: 35-40 lbs/ac; Drilled: 20-30 lbs/ac; depth of .5-1 inch; plant between April 20- June 20

Perennials:

Bahiagrass: This common grass is frequently found along roadsides because of its fast growth. However, some good varieties do exist that are better for hay and pasture, such as TifQuick, Tifton 9, and Pensacola. After planting, bahiagrass should be allowed to grow 6-8 inches before grazing, and not grazed below 2-3 inches. Planting rate: Broadcast: 15-25 lbs/ac; Drilled: 10-20 lbs/ac; depth of .25-.5 inches; plant between Feb 1 and March 31.

Crabgrass: I know it sounds strange to plant crabgrass, but it is a highly nutritious forage that grows fast and is very tasty to livestock. Crabgrass also produces “runners” or stolons just like bermudagrass, so it will tolerate continuous grazing. Crabgrass seed is very inexpensive but usually has to be ordered over the phone or on the internet from seed companies in the midwest. After planting, crabgrass should be allowed to grow 6-8 inches before grazing, and not grazed below 2-3 inches. Planting rate: 1-5 pounds per acre at shallow depth 0-.25 inches; plant after the last frost through early May.

Bermudagrass: Probably the most common pasture grass in Eastern NC, bermudagrass has a lot of research behind it to help you choose a good variety. Seeded bermudagrass can be expensive because of its popularity, but is overall a good choice for all livestock. It tolerates close, continuous grazing because it stores its energy in the “runners” and rhizomes under the ground. After planting, bermudagrass should be allowed to grow 6-8 inches before grazing, and not grazed below 2-3 inches. Planting rate: Broadcast 6-8 lbs/ac; Drilled 10-20 lbs/ac; depth .25-.5 inches; plant by April 15- or through July if irrigated.