bearcatbaseball10
Member
we actually have been catching the perfect amount lately...soils are saturated this AM but not holding water...I think they have had something like 3" on the farm this month so far, but all the plots are in well drained ridge tops. I actually need sun shine at this time.....and about a .10 - .25 a week of rain would keep me happy! :way:
dedgeez
death from above
You could still get a decent growth on Brassicas depending on where you are, but I would go with Oats this time of year. or an oat chicory mix. You still have lots of time to get oats in the ground.
I don't have land or resources, but got a nice surprise. My landowner planted over 100 acres and $1500 on seed in groundhog forage radishes for his cattle. He plans to turn his 30 cows in once the leaves hit 12 inches tall. You guys think the deer will be bothered by the cows? Not sure whether they will use this or not??
LoessHillsArcher
PMA Member
I've never had that exact experience but I know there is a lot of clover in our pasture and the deer browse it right along with the cows. We don't see the deer feeding right in with the cows but they don't mind being near them it seems (maybe a few 100yds away)
letemgrow
PMA Member
Cows push deer away IMO, they may feed with them, but they like to have areas where there are not cattle close by.
When my neighbors move the cows from pasture to pasture, its a night and day difference on deer usage. They pile into the clover after the cows are gone. When the cows are there, they move off when they see the cattle.
dbltree
Super Moderator
Read the cereal grain thread for planting options in the next few weeks...
Cereal Grains and cover crops
This is the perfect fall mix that works very well for me...
LoessHillsArcher
PMA Member
Ours don't go near the cattle either. They are always in the parts of the pasture the livestock aren't. Dang cows...
Maybe we should just raise deer!
letemgrow
PMA Member
Ours don't go near the cattle either. They are always in the parts of the pasture the livestock aren't. Dang cows...
At least if the deer jump the fence, you are not liable for them tearing up the neighbors property. :grin:
antlerfreak
New Member
I would think 30 cows would decimate a 100acre plot of turnips in a matter of days.
dbltree
Super Moderator
August 21st, 2011
We are fast approaching two solid months without any significant rainfall in my area....most brassica plantings are toast. It happens sometimes and it's a stark reminder to never put all your eggs in one basket! ANY crop can fail and in fact ALL crops can fail due to weather related disasters making it imperative that we do all we can to promote plenty of natural forage and browse on our property. Whitetails have not only survived but thrived for centuries before any crop were ever introduced...on nothing but natural browse, so make sure you focus on improving this element of your habitat first and foremost.
30 miles west there has been enough rainfall to not on;y germinate the brassicas but get them off to a good start
Example of the rapid growth of Groundhog forage radish over the rape and turnips
Mike is also struggling with drought up in WI but this semi shaded area is looking great!
Brassicas can be an important element in providing year around food sources with on our plots but like corn they can fall prey to flooding or droughts....so don't make them the ONLY element of your program....
We are fast approaching two solid months without any significant rainfall in my area....most brassica plantings are toast. It happens sometimes and it's a stark reminder to never put all your eggs in one basket! ANY crop can fail and in fact ALL crops can fail due to weather related disasters making it imperative that we do all we can to promote plenty of natural forage and browse on our property. Whitetails have not only survived but thrived for centuries before any crop were ever introduced...on nothing but natural browse, so make sure you focus on improving this element of your habitat first and foremost.
30 miles west there has been enough rainfall to not on;y germinate the brassicas but get them off to a good start
Example of the rapid growth of Groundhog forage radish over the rape and turnips
Mike is also struggling with drought up in WI but this semi shaded area is looking great!
Brassicas can be an important element in providing year around food sources with on our plots but like corn they can fall prey to flooding or droughts....so don't make them the ONLY element of your program....
scottonbuck
Well-Known Member
I went to check on my brassicas today which were planted on July 21 and they are doing great they germinated the last rain we had and the bottom ground is rich in organic matter and held a lot of moisture. I dug down around 1 inch and moisture can be found. I didnt think this was possible in SE Iowa but turns out that plot can be pretty good in drought like conditions. I will take some pics later this week. I did however have to take the weed eater to a few spots were some weeds were taking to the likes of the extra fertilizer. Dang weeds. Hopefully in another week the brassicas will canopy and kill those weeds.
jboswell
Member
Checked on my Brassicas today... the rain we have received in my little piece of SW Iowa have done them well..
Planted on the 15th of July they sat in the dust for a few weeks but with the recent rains they are starting. Have a little button weed and grass problem but at least they are growing!
Planted on the 15th of July they sat in the dust for a few weeks but with the recent rains they are starting. Have a little button weed and grass problem but at least they are growing!
How long can the brassica seed lay there waiting on a rain Paul? I planted my turnips, radishes, and rape 2 weeks ago and it still hasn't rained? No germination because I was planting into dust. When you say the plots are toast do you mean the seeds won't germinate or they just won't have time to mature before hunting season?
I planted a GHR/turnip mix on Aug 1st. Only had one decent rain since then. Otherwise it has been hot and dry like many places in Iowa. I was happy to see that the plot at least germinated. I just hope they are big enough to survive the heat until the next rain comes.
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dbltree
Super Moderator
The seeds are probably viable if they didn't have moisture to germinate them but the time frame has already passed to really have enough time for them to amount to anything.
I would wait til around Labor Day weekend and then re-plant to the rye mix if they haven't germinated by then. The cereal mix will attain a lot more growth in a short period of time assuming we EVER get some rain...
I broadcasted some brassicas into some thin spots in my soybeans. I am going to top dress some nitro as soon as we get an actual correct rain forecast. How much rain do you guys think is needed to put it into the soil, and how long can it sit on top (without a rain) before it starts evaporating? (I believe denitrification is the correct term)
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dbltree
Super Moderator
24 hours when temps are above 70 degrees and you need a minimum 1/2" of rain to incorporate it...:way: