Grazing tips

[showqa]

I need some tips on how to improve my grazing. I've only recently moved into the house, and some of the grazing is pretty good, some of it very long and coarse although thankfully "nasty" (rag and the like) free.

So far I've got the local farmer to graze some sheep on it and whilst that has done a lot of good to the land, there's still clumps of wild, long grass that I feel need to be dealt with. Also, there are areas of gorse and bracken that I would like to eliminate altogether (best method?), not least to prevent it from overtaking the good land.

Is it possible for the sheep to over graze an area? I'm a bit concerned that they seem particularly keen on one area which they've nibbled right down. Could that be detrimental to the sward? What should I be doing with the land at this time of year? It's quite lumpy and bumpy - would it benefit from rolling? Also, although nutritionally I realise it would be deficient, grazing horses on poor (but weed free) grass wouldn't be harmful to the horse would it? Just my pocket as I'd have to supplement the diet?

 

[appylass]

I think I'd go and have a chat with the farmer who's grazing his sheep on the field and see what he suggests. If he farms locally he will be able to tell you how best to manage your land. It's hard to advise without knowing soil type etc. For example we're on heavy clay and rolling is about the worst thing we can do! If the sheep owner isn't approachable try another farmer nearby who'd help. Hope that is some help.

 

[sallypops]

put some donkeys on it, where i used to have poppy the lady was trying to get a hold of some donkeys cause the would eat the long grass that the ponies wouldn't

 

[zelli]

donkeys are usually fussy grazers too.... you need a goat! they eat everything! If your willing to supplement, it wont cause the horse any problems at all, but I would take appylass's advice if i was you, its impossible to say the best thing without knowing grass and soil types

 

[rosieted]

You will be suprised how good the rough grazing is for the horse, its not too rich and full of fibre, it might not look so pretty! get rid of the bracken as its poisonous although they dont usualy touch it. We have ours topped by a local farmer.

 

[showqa]

Thanks for that folks, it's been helpful. If you fertilise, how long do you need to keep horses off it for?