Growing Corn In Pasture Sod

Growing Corn In Pasture Sod PLANTING EQUIPMENT No-Till & Min-Till 26-3-3 "I have been experimenting with growing corn in grass sod for grazing. The idea is to graze once or twice in the spring and then, after the grazing, cut a trench into the sod and seed corn into it," says Glenn Page, Wanamingo, Minn. "Cattle tend to stay out of the corn while it's coming up so you can let them graze the taller grass. As it grows, the tops of the corn can be grazed with little or no injury. Then, as the corn starts to take off you have to keep the cattle out. "As it gets warmer, the grass slows up and the corn really takes off. In August you can let the cattle in again to graze the corn. "Rows should be at least 50 to 60 in. apart and the corn should be planted between the end of May to July, following the grazing pattern of your cattle. "I believe pasture production can be easily doubled, which is especially important during the summer slump period when it really gets hot. "One problem I've had is getting enough nitrogen onto the corn. The pasture grass seems to soak it away. "I first use a tillage shank to make an 8 to 10-in. wide row opening and then seed into it with a 1-row Deere plate planter. Of course, there are newer no-till planters that could plant directly into the sod. "So far this is just an idea but it shows promise. This coming year I plan to try planting into legume pasture. "If anyone's interested in working with me on this idea, or getting more details, they can contact me." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Glenn Page, 401 Second Street E., Wanamingo, Minn. 55983 (E-mail: gpage@cannon.net).

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