A summer annual in your rotation is a great way to provide relief for your permanent pastures. Sorghum Sudan grass, hybrid Sudan grass, or a hybrid pearl millet are all great products. If you manage your grazing times, you can get much more return per acre with an annual in the rotation. With a little moisture and heat, a summer annual can easily make up for your summer slump.

Factors:

• Average seed cost per acre will between $40-$80 with a yield ranging from 3 to 8 tons of dry matter, depending on proper management and fertility.

• “Turn-out” time on these grasses will be at a height of 18 to 24 inches; around 30 to 40 days after planting.

• Summer annuals can grow at astounding rates, as much as 2 inches a day. These grasses can support much higher stocking rates than most permanent pastures.

Check out these links for other pasture management topics.

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/oardc/eb275/

http://hayandforage.com/grazing/making-most-pastures-after-drought

http://hayandforage.com/grazing/assess-forages-and-cattle-drought-threatens