Brassica oleracea, commonly referred to as collards, transcends its role as a leafy green vegetable to also serve as a valuable forage crop, particularly for livestock. Characterized by their large, dark green leaves that grow in a rosette formation, collards are known for their robust flavor and hearty texture. They are a cool-season vegetable, thriving in mild climates and often enduring frost with resilience. Recognized for its adaptability and nutritional value, collards offer numerous benefits in the realm of animal agriculture. As a forage crop, collards provide a rich source of nutrients for grazing animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats. Their large, dark green leaves are not only palatable but also highly nutritious, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that contribute to animal health and productivity. One of the key advantages of collards as a forage crop is their versatility in cultivation and management. They are relatively easy to grow, adapting well to a range of soil types and climates. Collards are typically planted as a cool-season crop, thriving in mild temperatures and often enduring frost with resilience. In addition to their nutritional benefits, collards offer advantages in forage management. They exhibit rapid growth and regrowth, allowing for multiple harvests or grazing cycles throughout the growing season. This characteristic enhances the efficiency of forage production and utilization, maximizing yields and extending grazing periods for livestock. Furthermore, collards can play a role in diversifying forage systems and mitigating seasonal feed shortages. Their inclusion in pasture mixes or as a standalone forage crop provides farmers with additional options for meeting the dietary needs of their livestock, particularly during periods of limited forage availability.

Brassica carinata, also known as African cabbage or Ethiopian mustard, is a resilient member of the Brassicaceae family, recognized for its versatility and unique characteristics. With a hard, erect central stem that remains upright even in winter, it displays remarkable resilience in adverse weather conditions. This attribute not only aids in its survival but also makes it adept at trapping snow during the winter months, contributing to moisture retention in the soil. Beyond its agronomic benefits, African cabbage offers additional advantages in agricultural practices. It demonstrates efficacy in controlling several parasitic nematodes, making it a valuable tool in integrated pest management strategies. However, despite its numerous strengths, it is worth noting that African cabbage is considered less palatable for livestock forage compared to other brassicas. Nevertheless, its nutritional value and adaptability make it a valuable asset in sustainable farming systems, offering both food security and soil health benefits.

Astragalus canadensis, commonly known as Canada milkvetch, stands as a robust and smooth-stemmed plant, celebrated for its ornamental value and ecological significance. Inhabiting a diverse range of habitats, Canada milkvetch can be found in dry prairies, moist shores, riverbanks, marshy grounds, and open or partly shaded areas. It thrives in well-drained soils under sunny conditions, showcasing its adaptability to various environments. However, it exhibits low tolerance to root disturbance and cannot withstand extremely cold weather conditions. While germination may be slow, typically occurring within four to nine weeks for fresh seeds, patience is rewarded with the emergence of vigorous seedlings. Astragalus canadensis remains valued for its ecological role and aesthetic qualities, contributing to the biodiversity and visual allure of natural landscapes.

Blando brome is a cool season annual bunchgrass native to Europe. It is widely distributed throughout the ranges of California, including the Sierra foothills, and range areas bordering the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley and the high mountain chaparral ranges of southern California. Blando brome growth starts in the fall and matures by April or May of the following year. This grass has excellent reseeding abilities, along with a dense and fibrous root system that aids in reducing soil erosion. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils and climates, is low-growing, and matures early. Blando brome is often used in ranges, pastures, and as a cover crop for vineyards and orchards.

Produced by S&S Seeds

Scientific Name: Hordeum brachyantherum

Meadow barley is a perennial grass native, to western North America, from Alaska to northern Mexico, and parts of eastern North America. It is a tufted grass that produces compact, narrow purple flower clusters. Similar to other barleys, the smaller lateral spikelets come in triplets.

Host plant: white-lined sphinx, alfalfa looper moth, venerable dart, armyworm moth, bilobed looper moth, bronzed cutworm, and glassy borer

Produced by Hedgerow Farms

Our Southern Subtropics Poultry Forage Mix contains a selection of legumes and forbs designed specifically for the hot, humid summers and mild winters of the Deep South. This mix produces excellent chicken forage that is naturally low-growing and nutrient-dense. It also contains common flax; a well-known source of omega-3 fatty acids. Ideal for large acreages or small backyard plots. Can also be used as a cover crop. This mix produces a pasture that will contain approximately:

30% White Dutch Clover

20% Red Clover

15% Crimson Clover

15% Buckwheat

10% Strawberry Clover

10% Common Flax

In an effort to help our customers visualize the finished product, note that the percentages listed above are what you can expect the stand to contain once established. For the contents of this seed mix by weight, please contact us to request a digital copy of the seed tag.

Also known as forage pea or Austrian winter pea, field pea is a cool-season annual legume used as a green manure cover crop, pasture forage, and in wildlife food plots. Field peas are quick to establish and produce abundant biomass. Very cold hardy and water efficient. Field pea prefers well-drained loam or clay soils and are often partnered with cereal grains such as oats. Makes an excellent component of big game food plots. For best results, sow in the fall or early spring.

Scientific Name: Pisum sativum ssp. arvense

Hybrid pearl millet is an introduced, warm-season annual grass commonly used for livestock forage and as a cover crop. It’s very quick to establish and can be ready for grazing in as little as four weeks after planting. Unlike sorghum and sudangrass, there is no risk of prussic acid poisoning with pearl millet. It can grow very tall and upright, often reaching between 6 and 10 feet high. Does well in soils with low fertility. Hybrid pearl millet also produces seeds that are an excellent food source for birds and makes an excellent component in wildlife food plots.

Scientific name: Pennisetum glaucum

Note: Seed has been treated with fungicide

Streambank wheatgrass is a native, cool-season perennial sod forming grass found throughout the Intermountain West and surrounding regions. Strongly rhizomatous, streambank wheatgrass is an excellent choice for erosion control, reclamation and can even form a low-maintenance lawn. Not commonly used for forage, but is palatable to all types of livestock. One of the most drought tolerant native grasses, it can be grown in areas that receive as little as 6 inches of annual precipitation.

Scientific Name: Elymus lanceolatus ssp. psammophilus

Native to Europe and Asia, white sweet clover is very similar to yellow sweet clover but produces white flowers instead of yellow flowers. Also has a slightly different bloom time. White sweet clover is a biennial broadleaf legume introduced from Asia. Considered a weed for many years, today white sweet clover is valued as a green manure, forage legume, and honey plant. Can grow up to five feet tall during its second year. White sweet clover is very adaptable and can be found growing in a wide range of conditions. Very drought tolerant. Can become invasive in some areas. It can be cut for hay, included in pastures, or used to improve soil.

Scientific Name: Melilotus alba