Beefmaster

Product Description

Beefmaster is a special formulation of forage grasses for stocker cattle and beef cows and calves. Beefmaster contains soft-leaved tall fescue varieties which are highly digestible and increase overall dry matter intake compared to rough-leaf tall fescues. Along with softleaf tall fescue, the orchard grass varieties included in Beefmaster are grazing tolerant and maintain their productivity even under close grazing. Highly productive, high energy forage varieties in Beefmaster provide rapid weight gains in beef cattle. Beefmaster also contains new persistent varieties of perennial ryegrass which further improve the forage quality of the pasture.

• Digestible for increase dry matter intake
• Soft leaf tall fescue
• Grazing tolerant under close grazing
• Rapid gains

Pasture Mixes

Using pasture mixes on your farm is a smart move. They’re versatile and more forgiving to adverse soil and climate conditions than monocultures. Mixes usually provide better nutrition and yield across the growing season. However, pastures need good management to be able to optimize the potential. Regular mowing and fertilizing are just as important as rotational grazing in maintaining a proper pasture balance.

Establishment

An early fall planting is best seeding or drilled 1/4 inch deep into a well prepared seed bed. If a seeder or drill is not available, the seed can be broadcast and rolled firm with a cultipacker. Make sure weeds are controlled before establishment. Spring planting is possible but competition must be suppressed. Most of the upper Midwest is Spring planted.

Management

Use the equivalent of about 40 pounds of N to kick-start the seedlings. Clip the pasture when the seedlings are about 6 to 8 inches high to encourage density. Do not graze until firmly rooted. Rotational grazing is best to promote persistence. Manure or fertilizer in the fall will help with winterhardiness.

Beefmaster Tech Sheet