We have worked with some cicer milkvetch - some seed went in with that mixture in 2002 but there are very few plants visible but the ones that are there are getting stronger every year. The best I've ever seen was at Brian Luce's place up next to where Randy is. In their almost drought conditions last year the other grasses were fairly short even after extended rest but the cicer was standing up like bushes across the field. Each plant was 12-14 inches high and maybe two feet across with trailing branches reaching out across the ground. The plants do well once they are really established and suit extended rest periods better than alfalfa as the regrowth doesn't turn woody before the rest of the pasture is ready to regraze. I think it would be my legume of choice if we can get it established as it essentially lasts for ever and palatability is good although I note my cows don't specifically seek it out to graze first. Brian seeded a lot of his by incorporating seed in the cow minerals and we are doing this now too. I saw plants here yesterday that were as strong as the ones we seeded 4 years ago and the seed only went on last summer. It seems that some seeds will not even germinate for 3 or 4 years so perhaps putting it through a cow might be a good way to do it. It's certainly a cheap way to do it!
I agree with the point on meadow brome not making good litter - we have tramped a fairly heavy stand into the ground in wet conditions but it seems to break down too fast, as if it lacks tough enough fibre. Timothy on the other hand makes better litter than cattle feed!
I agree with the point on meadow brome not making good litter - we have tramped a fairly heavy stand into the ground in wet conditions but it seems to break down too fast, as if it lacks tough enough fibre. Timothy on the other hand makes better litter than cattle feed!
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