Pasture

Pasture

Created
May 3, 2024 4:03 AM
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Summary

In the pasture, we plan to stock a flock of sheep in the top paddock, rotating them through smaller paddocks. We'll upgrade and install ring-lock fencing suitable for sheep with lambs. Our cover crop selections include legumes, grasses, and brassicas. To ensure optimal implementation, we'll practice rotational grazing, prepare the soil, incorporate seeds properly, provide adequate watering, and protect newly sown areas with fencing.

Relevant Permaculture Principles
Use and value diversityUse and value diversityCatch and store energyCatch and store energyIntegrate rather than segregateIntegrate rather than segregateCare of the EarthCare of the EarthObtain a yieldObtain a yield
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Homestead and Farm CentresHomestead and Farm Centres
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Market Gardens and Plant NurseryMarket Gardens and Plant Nursery

At this stage, we are considering a flock of sheep for the large paddock, which we call the top paddock. This paddock will be about 8 acres in size, and we are still determining how many sheep would be appropriate to stock in this area and whether or not we should rotate them through smaller paddocks.

Our municipal zoning requires that the property be used for farming. Any of the farms around the area stock black Angus cattle with a high degree of success. There are also plenty of sheep and dairy cattle around. We don't think we are interested in running dairy cattle, but running some black Angus cows is also possible.

We also need to upgrade existing and install new fencing suitable for sheep with lambs—ring-lock.

We have a local farmer acquaintance who stocks and sells sheep and are considering getting some sheep through them.

This will also mean we can stop using the tractor for mowing.

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Relevant Permaculture Principles

All permaculture principles inform all aspect of the permaculture design and operations—these more so than others.

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Considerations

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Cover crop selections

Cover Crops and Pasture Crops for Sheep and Goats

Legumes (Nitrogen Fixers)

  1. White Clover (Trifolium repens)
    • Benefits: Fixes nitrogen, outcompetes weeds, improves soil structure.
    • Considerations: Persistent and resilient, can handle grazing.
    • Best Sowing Time: Early spring or late summer
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding to ensure good seed-to-soil contact
  2. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
    • Benefits: Deep roots improve soil structure, nitrogen fixation, competes well with weeds.
    • Considerations: Suitable for cooler climates.
    • Best Sowing Time: Early spring or late summer
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding for better establishment
  3. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
    • Benefits: Deep-rooted, improves soil structure, fixes nitrogen.
    • Considerations: Requires well-drained soil.
    • Best Sowing Time: Spring or late summer
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding to ensure deep root establishment

Grasses

  1. Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
    • Benefits: Rapid growth, dense mat crowds out weeds, improves soil organic matter.
    • Considerations: Tolerates a range of conditions.
    • Best Sowing Time: Early spring or autumn
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding for uniform distribution and better establishment
  2. Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
    • Benefits: Deep roots improve soil structure, crowds out weeds.
    • Considerations: Tolerates drought and poor soil conditions.
    • Best Sowing Time: Early spring or autumn
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding to ensure deep root growth
  3. Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense)
    • Benefits: Grows well in cool climates, good for soil erosion control.
    • Considerations: Prefers moist, well-drained soils.
    • Best Sowing Time: Early spring
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding for optimal establishment

Brassicas

  1. Forage Radish (Raphanus sativus)
    • Benefits: Deep taproots break up compacted soil, scavenges nutrients, suppresses weeds.
    • Considerations: Winterkills in cold climates, adding organic matter.
    • Best Sowing Time: Late summer to early autumn
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Broadcast seeding followed by light harrowing for soil contact
  2. Turnip (Brassica rapa)
    • Benefits: Quick growing, improves soil fertility, suppresses weeds.
    • Considerations: Can be grazed by livestock.
    • Best Sowing Time: Late summer to early autumn
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Broadcast seeding with light incorporation
  3. Kale (Brassica oleracea)
    • Benefits: Cold-tolerant, provides ground cover, suppresses weeds.
    • Considerations: Can be grazed by livestock.
    • Best Sowing Time: Spring or late summer
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding for even growth and good soil contact

Other Cover Crops

  1. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
    • Benefits: Rapid growth, excellent weed suppression, attracts beneficial insects.
    • Considerations: Grows well in poor soils, short growing season.
    • Best Sowing Time: Late spring to early summer
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Broadcast seeding followed by light harrowing
  2. Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)
    • Benefits: Quick-growing, excellent for weed suppression, attracts pollinators.
    • Considerations: Suitable for a variety of soil types.
    • Best Sowing Time: Spring to early summer
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Broadcast seeding with light soil incorporation
  3. Sorghum-Sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x S. sudanense)
    • Benefits: High biomass production, excellent weed suppression, improves soil organic matter.
    • Considerations: Warm-season grass, can handle drought conditions.
    • Best Sowing Time: Late spring to early summer
    • Methods: Broadcast seeding, drilling
    • Best Method: Drill seeding for uniform stand and better establishment

Implementation Tips for Sheep and Goats

  1. Grazing Management: Implement rotational grazing to maximise pasture health and productivity. This allows cover crops to recover and reduces weed pressure.
  2. Soil Preparation: Prior to sowing, prepare the soil by removing existing weeds, tilling if necessary, and ensuring good seedbed preparation.
  3. Seed Incorporation: For broadcast seeding, lightly harrow or roll the soil after seeding to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
  4. Watering: Ensure adequate moisture for seed germination, especially for spring and summer plantings.
  5. Fencing: Protect newly sown areas from grazing until the plants are well-established to prevent damage by sheep and goats.

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