New field and sheep grazing it

[Ali27]

So I’ve finally purchased a 5 acre field which was cut for hay in July! Got 100 sheep on it grazing it down before my two good doer ponies go on it next week. I’m wondering whether to Harrow sheep poo in? Any ideas? Thanks They have been on 2 acres for a week!

 

[canteron]

No I wouldn’t bother- horse worms can’t live in sheep and vice versa so brilliant to cross graze for keeping grass sweet.
There poo is a good fertiliser and so small it breaks down quickly anyway.
If you have lots of ‘thatch’ (dead grass) it might be worth harrowing at some point to tease it out - but then I would leave until a good rain or two to settle the soil before putting the horses on.

 

[Melandmary]

I was recommended by this forum to leave a gap of 2 weeks after moving sheep off

 

[cauda equina]

I wonder why that was? Sheep and horses often graze together

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

I was recommended by this forum to leave a gap of 2 weeks after moving sheep off

There is no need for that, our horses and sheep graze together. What reason was given?

ETA x-posted with CE.

 

[Melandmary]

I can't remember now ?. I asked about it about June time when my grazing was out of control and someone recommended sheep as 1 of my fields has no access for machinery but my memory fails me as to why I should leave the gap. Perhaps as it is a smallish field and it will be covered in sheep poop ?

 

[Nudibranch]

I wouldn't bother harrowing, ours graze with sheep almost year round. It's very good for worm control BUT do keep an eye on their feet. Sheep are very good at spreading bacteria that will cause thrush if the farmer doesn't have footrot under control. From memory I think 3 weeks is the minimum rest period for breaking the footrot cycle so maybe that's where the 2 weeks comes from?

 

[rabatsa]

I do not leave a gap between sheep and equines unless I want the grass to grow a bit before grazing it.