mow or graze

[dennisleary]

I have a dilemma and I wonder if someone could help out. I unexpectedly came into possession of 23 acres of oats/vetch, and I'm trying to figure out the best course to take. One thing I was considering was to mow it all down using the rotary cutter, and then find someone to bail it, or disc it in.
The other thing I was thinking about was just to mow it and use it for mulch, just let it sit. I'd say the vetch is a few weeks away from flowering.
the third thing I'm thinking about is to have the plot grazed down by goats - I found a guy in fresno who is willing to bring up 600 goats to tackle the job. I like this idea because the goats would manure the field a bit, and save me time/fuel.
Seeing as how my long term plan is to put an orchard on the acreage, and I want to bring the soil fertility up in the meantime, does anybody have any recommendations about what to do? Thanks.

 

[Wagtail]

I like the idea of the goats doing the job and your field getting fertiliser out the deal. A chain harrowing job after the fact will clean everything up and you'll be able to see the lay of the land better.

However, on top of a reliable source of water that all livestock requires, goats need a specific type of fencing in order to keep them in and your neighbours happy as a result.

 

[DT86]

It won't be worth baling if you cut it with a rotary cutter.

 

[Ed of all trades]

Oats and vetch make great cow hay and ti builds up the land as well. We raised it on 11 ac field for a few years and had to quit. My dad was 6' 1" and it was taller than he was. We cut it and bailed it and then raked it and bailed i again. I have never seen anything like it before or after. Ed

 

[oosik]

I like the goat idea also. Along with adequate water and fencing - do you have close neighbors that might object to 600 goats. I know just a few of the little beasties can raise quite a stink. 600 would be a whole other matter and might lead to questionable neighborhood relationships.

 

[Looking4new]

I like the goat idea also. Along with adequate water and fencing - do you have close neighbors that might object to 600 goats. I know just a few of the little beasties can raise quite a stink. 600 would be a whole other matter and might lead to questionable neighborhood relationships.

If the neighbours don't like the smell of his goats, they can move.

 

[roadhunter]

Goats are escape artists so good fences are mandatory. The natural route seems to offer the most benefit and least effort. An occasional burn can be good for the soil as well.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I have a dilemma and I wonder if someone could help out. I unexpectedly came into possession of 23 acres of oats/vetch, and I'm trying to figure out the best course to take. One thing I was considering was to mow it all down using the rotary cutter, and then find someone to bail it, or disc it in.
The other thing I was thinking about was just to mow it and use it for mulch, just let it sit. I'd say the vetch is a few weeks away from flowering.
the third thing I'm thinking about is to have the plot grazed down by goats - I found a guy in fresno who is willing to bring up 600 goats to tackle the job. I like this idea because the goats would manure the field a bit, and save me time/fuel.
Seeing as how my long term plan is to put an orchard on the acreage, and I want to bring the soil fertility up in the meantime, does anybody have any recommendations about what to do? Thanks.

If you don't have to put any money into it, the goats are your best bet. Forget about baling anything you cut with a rotary cutter. Since your long term goal is an orchard, make a deal with a local cattle, sheep, or goat producer to graze the land until you are ready to plant an orchard. Oats are an annual so don't expect much after it's grazed off. You'll either have to inter-seed perennial grasses or replant annuals every yea. With careful grazing you can improve the land with minimal expense. It will require some good fencing and stock water but you can also charge by the head for providing the feed and water.

 

[Gary Fowler]

If you have turning plow, I would recommend just turning it all under to naturally compost. The organic matter put back into the soil is going to be much better than a bunch of little pills of goat crap that may end up in one localized spot. Vetch is a nitrate producing plant so it makes for good fertilizer when turned under.

 

[joeu235]

Any time we have tried to bale winter grass it's been a real pain to get it dry enough. It takes at least a week to cure and spring weather is very unpredictable here. You live in sunny Ca so probably not a problem for you.