Renovating and reseeding a pasture requires time, money and a little luck. If you begin the planning process in spring, you’ll save yourself from last-minute decisions in the fall. Nonirrigated, western Oregon pastures are typically planted in September to early October, depending on weather conditions. However, preparation should begin much earlier.
Many different renovation decisions await you depending on existing forage and weed pressure. If your pasture is relatively weed free but needs a boost in desirable forages, you may be able to overseed in the fall. But if the pasture has a lot of weeds, you will need to begin weed control practices the spring prior to planting and consider more intensive renovation practices, like working up the soil prior to replanting. No matter your strategy you will need to prepare a seed bed that will provide seed-to-soil contact for successful seed germination and growth.
Take soil samples from your fields for analysis in spring. It is important to evaluate the soil’s fertility in advance to determine if lime and fertilizer are needed. A good time to apply is during the renovation process.
For long-term success, plant grass and legume species adapted to your property’s soil conditions and intended use. For example, plants suited for a field that will be intensively grazed may be different than those used exclusively for hay. Some forage species will tolerate soils with poor drainage, while others require well-drained soils.
Another consideration is selecting which fields to renovate and how that will affect your grazing system. Generally, we recommend renovating no more than 25% of your fields or acres in a given year to allow for grazing the remaining acreage. Give a newly planted pasture a year to become established before animals graze.
Perhaps most importantly, evaluate your current pasture management and determine ways to improve. If you feel the only solution to a better pasture is to finance a complete renovation, be ready to implement sound management practices, so the new seeding is a long-term investment.
To explore options in detail refer to “Pasture and Hayland Renovation for Western Washington and Oregon.”
