Arrowleaf clover is another great choice for pasture seed in the Midwest. It’s drought-tolerant, can be made into hay, and is attractive to turkeys and other poultry.

Benefits of Using a Seed Mix

Sometimes the best choice for pasture seed is a mix, rather than one singular variety. For example, a mix containing a variety of grasses and clover will offer animals a more balanced diet than grass seed alone. Pasture seed mixes are also great for soil preservation, fertilization, and pest prevention. 

How to Maintain a Healthy Midwest Pasture

• Avoid overgrazing

  Pay attention to your pasture and keep track of where animals are grazing. 

  • Schedule periods of rest

    Another way to avoid overgrazing is to let the pasture rest after a certain period of time. Rotational grazing will help keep the pasture healthy.

    • Manage weeds

      Some weeds like hemlock and buttercup can be toxic to livestock, so be sure to implement weed management in your Midwest pasture.

      • Test soil health

        Test your soil every year or so to make sure pH levels and nutrition are on track. If needed, add amendments like lime or sulfur to help improve soil health.

        Best Practices for Planting Pasture Seed in the Midwest

        If you’re a Midwest farmer, you probably understand the complexities of planting and maintaining a good crop. Still, here are a few tips to keep in mind when dealing with pasture seed specifically:

        • Most pasture seeds should be planted either in the spring or fall, depending on cool-season and warm-season varieties. Berseem clover for example should be planted sometime after April 15th.
          • Prepare the soil by tilling it and removing existing weeds or other vegetation. This is also a good time to test your soil and add any amendments that might be needed.
            • Plant pasture seed ¼ to ½ inch deep and water regularly. Planting deeper than ½ inch can make it difficult for pasture seed to emerge.
              • Watch for germination. To protect your newly planted seed in the early stages, you may need to cover it with more soil or mulch. Fencing in the pasture will also protect it.
                • If you’re planting a cover crop as a pasture seed, stay on top of your harvest crop schedule. In the Midwest, most cover crops can be planted in the fall.

                  Find premium-quality pasture seed at Nature’s Seed, and give your livestock and wildlife the pasture they deserve.