Pasture Management

[rug~addict]

Ok soooo. I can't decide what to do. There are some fields available for rent that haven't been grazed for over a year and previously had llamas on it. The grass is long and folded over. I basically have two options. 1 get someone in to cut it for hay then move the horses on to it with the worry there then wont be enough grass. Or 2 just move them on to it without cutting it.

What would you do and why?

Thanks in advance

 

[Polos Mum]

Start grazing
1) last years growth folded over will be dead and make terrible hay
2) you won't have a dry spell to make hay until July/ Aug so really delay use of the field.
3) standing fodder (old long grass) works really well for horses
4) getting someone to come in and make hay on a few small fields is nearly impossible ! contractors just don't seem to be bothered so you'll pay over the odds for terrible hay

 

[rug~addict]

Thats great advice. Thank you