More Grass Questions

[PureCountry]

Has anyone tried the legumes Galega or Cicer Milkvetch? Were they in mixes or straight stands? For hay or pasture?Blah, blah, blah.....

Thanks in advance.

 

[Big Muddy rancher]

I haven't used those legumes but Cicer Milk vetch from what I hear is a great addition to a forage mix.

 

[per]

Cicer Milkvetch is an awesome companion with most grasses. In the right or wrong conditions it is an increaser and could invade where you might not want it like on your native range. It grows well here and seems to handle grazing and drought pressure.

 

[ANGUS327]

We love Cicer Milkvetch although I'd never heard of it until we added some to our grass seed mix about 10 years ago. It took a few years to establish itself but that was through the drought years of the late 90's. We have it mixed with meadow brome and crested wheat grass. The Milkvetch is actually starting to take over the fields now and seems to tolerate dry conditions very well and if you get some rain it will take off even in hot conditions plus you don't have worry about bloat. I would never seed another pasture without adding some.

 

[PureCountry]

A few guys around here have tried Cicer Milkvetch, some in mixes, some in pure stands, and have had mixed results. The best stands seem to be in the light sandy soil - BONUS for us - and one fellow has had great luck with it on his poorest land. It took 4 years to look like a real thick stand of forage he says, but once established, it works great in his MIG system.

As for Galega, it is very hard to find, and very few people seem to know anything about it. The factsheets on it make it sound as hardy and drought tolerant as the Milkvetch, but with higher growth and more yield. Almost sounds too good to be true. I've found a seed dealer who has 1 bag of Galega seed, and they're not even sure how old it is. It was collecting dust in the back of a warehouse.