Swath grazing barley?

[frustrated1]

We have some barley that was supposed to be combined which is laying in swaths. It's completely soggy now and with the last couple of snows some is laying on the ground. When the kernels are that mature is it safe to just let the cows in or will they eat too much of the barley? Bale every second swath? Moveable electric fence? Thanks guys.

[perfecho]

Should work, best results for us is with movable fence, only giving them what they need until cleaned up well. (daily/2 days...whatever)
Giving whole field will waste more from experience.

[smcgrath76]

ditto on the fencing. 2-3 days max with
mature grain to prevent rumen bounce. We
have often swath grazed and then fed one
bale and you can't pick a bale on 80 acres
when they have finished the whole piece.

[DogPatch]

Make sure you supplement the cows with something that has a high calcium content. Maybe some alfalfa bales the day before you plan to move that wire. OR a mineral that has a 2:1 or 3:1 (Ca:P) mix. Otherwise, if the cows are stressed due to weaning, bad weather or calving you can have a wreck with Ca deficiency in a hurry.

Swath grazing works great if you plan ahead of time in regards to the electric fencing etc. You should plan on using a 2 wire system...... one hot and one a ground.