This past August, I tried my hand at a fall seeding of turnips. I am a minimal equipment person with time being more minimal. I broadcasted about 5 pounds of turnip seed to an acre. Also applied about 100 pounds of dap fertilizer. The field was overgrazed fescue. My hope was to get some turnips for fall grazing since the fescue had been heavly abused this summer. This was done during a week when much rain was forcasted. The rain was minimal as well. I did get some germination of the turnips but the only large plants are in areas where I previously burned some brush so no grass was present.
The fescue has responded a little with some cooler weather and some added rain. The turnips however, not much to brag about there.
In previous years, I tried a fall broadcast of winter wheat. Again into some abused overgrazed fescue. This was then harrowed in. Once again the fall rains illuded me and the germination was minimal. So what next. Stop abusing the fescue would be the best option. Rotational grazing is planned but slow to put in place. Cereal rye maybe. Folks say it established easy and puts on good growth. Frost seeding of lespedeza would be nice but the price tag the past few years has been crazy. A frost seeding of alfalfa is an option but I would need to better manage my sheep to avoid bloat. Would also like to have a seed drill and get away from broadcasting. That may solve some issues but the cost rules it out at this time.
I will provide additional updates as the month progresses. Always an optimist when seed is in the ground.
