Other factors to evaluate include cost of fencing and water for livestock grazing and cost of haying equipment. In some cases, costs may be minimal because the vegetative cover may be adequate as it is to begin grazing or hay harvesting. Or it may need minor improvements or management to upgrade it to acceptable conditions. Some fields may require major changes or renovation before the former CRP land can be used successfully for haying and grazing. For instance, where grass that is present is not necessarily the desired species, complete renovation, either with tillage or by no-till, may be the best and quickest way to return to the desired forage production.
Different varieties are available for each type of grass or legume.
A good variety should have a top yield, have sufficient winter hardiness for your location, and be resistant to the array of plant diseases present in your fields. Yields tend to be greater with mixtures than with grass or legume alone. Mixtures of two or three well- chosen legumes or grasses usually are more desirable than mixtures which include five or six. Each selected grass or legume should have a specific purpose. How long are you willing to wait to get good forage establishment.