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West Central Illinois | Broomsedge is what people call a signal weed it's telling you there is a nutrient deficiency whether it be phosphorous needed or really low PH. From my experience around here about 100 mi north of you old hay fields like that tend to test really really low on phosphorous. I had one sample come back <5lb/acre but that field was almost solid broomsedge/johnson grass with a sprinkling of fescue. But that was on the most extreme side.
It sounds like for 35 acres with 20 pairs you've got plenty of ground to bale to cover your needs for the winter. If it's not too much of a logistical challenge i'd take 1st cutting off then let it regrow and graze it in fall/early winter with a temporary hotwire around it if there's no fence. Cows harvest a cutting of hay a lot cheaper than burning diesel in a tractor I found this year. I may be biased though hay work isn't my idea of fun | |
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Talk to me about improving hay ground
