What is the Pasture Pig Mix?
Pig Forage Mix by The Seed Nerds is a resilient multi-species forage seed blend, ideal for pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats. Adapted to USDA zones 4–9 (Great Plains, Midwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest), this cool-season mix of grasses and legumes delivers high-nutrition pasture forage and soil-building benefits. Nitrogen-fixing clovers and alfalfa enhance fertility, while deep-rooted chicory and barley boost drought tolerance. Perfect for sustainable grazing and erosion control.
Specifications
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Soil Preference
Prefers loam to clay-loam
Soil pH
~6.0–7.5
Time to Maturity
~60–80 days
Height when mature
up to 5–6 ft
Seeding Rate
~20 lbs/acre
Planting Depth
¼ inch
Pig Pasture & Forage Mix
SKU: PB-PIG
- Pig
Will the seed work for your area?
Check your region
select quantity
Description
What seeds are in the mix
Drought Resilience
Deep-rooted species like alfalfa and chicory give this mix strong drought tolerance. Alfalfa’s taproot is naturally drought-resistant, and chicory’s deep root helps it endure dry periods. While plants may yellow or go dormant during drought, they usually rebound quickly with rain.
Low Maintenance
Several species in the mix persist well with minimal care. Kentucky bluegrass spreads by rhizomes, and self-seeding legumes like clover and birdsfoot trefoil help renew the stand naturally. Extension guides list these species among the best for low-input pastures. Once established, the mix resists weeds and requires only moderate fertility—legumes fix nitrogen—and benefits from simple rotational grazing.
Erosion Control
This blend offers strong erosion control through dense root systems and year-round ground cover. Orchardgrass has fibrous roots that anchor soil effectively, while deep-rooted species like alfalfa and chicory stabilize slopes and break up compacted soil. Perennial clovers further bind the surface, making this mix ideal for erosion-prone areas.
Grazing Resilience
This pasture mix handles intensive grazing well. Orchardgrass is highly palatable and regrows quickly under rotation, while Kentucky bluegrass and tall clovers hold up under animal pressure. Orchardgrass performs best when grazed before it gets too tall. For long-term stand health, use proper rotational grazing—allowing 6–8″ of regrowth before returning livestock.
Pollinator & Wildlife Friendly
The mix supports pollinators and wildlife with its blooming clovers and chicory, which offer nectar for bees and beneficial insects. White clover, in particular, attracts honeybees for pollination. Orchardgrass–legume combinations also provide nesting cover and late-season seed for birds. Together, these species enhance biodiversity by feeding pollinators and sheltering ground-nesting wildlife.
Description
What seeds are in the mix
Detail Product
Sun/Shade
Full sun to partial shade
Height
5–6 ft
Seeding Rate
~20 lbs/acre
Uses
Pasture forage, grazing (swine and livestock), soil improvement, and erosion control (forage production, cover cropping).
Color
Green foliage; flowering white, pink , and blue blooms.
Water
Green foliage; flowering white, pink , and blue blooms.
Native
All ingredients are introduced
Life Form
Perennial bunchgrass , sod-forming grass, perennial legumes, and one annual cereal
Product Uses
Great for Pigs & Mixed Livestock
This mix supports healthy growth in swine with high-protein legumes like alfalfa and clover. Pigs graze it eagerly, and it works well as a permanent pasture or hay crop. Rotate grazing to extend stand life and keep forage quality high.
Fast Cover for Slopes & Disturbed Ground
Plant this mix on slopes or bare soil to quickly establish cover. Fast-growing grasses and deep roots hold soil in place, reduce runoff, and protect against erosion, even on gentle hillsides.
Tough, Low-Input Groundcover
This hardy mix holds up to foot and animal traffic, self-reseeds, and stays green with minimal care. Clovers fix nitrogen, reducing fertilizer needs—perfect for rural lots or low-maintenance fields.
Forage & Habitat for Wildlife
This mix offers food and cover for deer, rabbits, birds, and pollinators. Clover and chicory attract grazers and seed-eaters, while grasses create nesting habitat—providing year-round wildlife value.
Questions & Answers
What is Pig Forage Mix and why should I plant it?
Pig Forage Mix is a custom multi-species blend designed to support healthy, natural pig grazing. It includes cool-season grasses (bluegrass, orchardgrass, barley) and high-protein legumes (alfalfa, clovers, trefoil), plus chicory for added nutrition. Pigs enjoy rooting and grazing on clover and herbs, and the mix promotes strong growth, better sow condition, and improved piglet survival. It also extends the grazing season and enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation.
How good is the forage quality?
This mix offers excellent forage quality. Legumes like alfalfa, clovers, and trefoil provide high protein and digestibility, while grasses add essential fiber. Barley and chicory enhance palatability and mineral content. In peak season, expect crude protein levels around 15–20%—ideal for milk production in ruminants and weight gain in finishing hogs. It’s a well-balanced, high-performing pasture blend.
How do I plant this mix?
Prepare a firm, weed-free seedbed in early spring (Mar–Apr) or late summer (Aug–Sept). Broadcast or drill seed at 20–25 lbs/acre, no deeper than ¼ inch, and firm the soil. Drilling gives the best depth control, but broadcasting followed by cultipacking also works. For frost-seeding, increase the rate by 25%. No-till drilling into existing sod is possible in early spring—just ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Keep the soil moist for 2–3 weeks after planting to support establishment.
What about watering and drought?
This mix prefers moisture but handles drought well once established. Keep the seedbed moist during germination. After that, deep-rooted species like alfalfa and chicory access subsoil moisture and stay productive during dry spells. Bluegrass may go dormant in heat, but typically recovers. Moderate watering helps maintain yield, but the mix is more drought-resilient than grass-only pastures. Avoid poorly drained or waterlogged soils, as none of the species tolerate standing water.
How should I graze this pasture?
Use rotational grazing for best results. Let grass reach 6–8 inches before grazing, and avoid grazing below 2 inches to protect regrowth. Orchardgrass and clovers thrive with regular grazing that prevents stem bolting. For pigs or small livestock, allow short daily forages (1–2 hours) as a supplement. Always allow 2–3 weeks for recovery between grazings. If cutting for hay or silage, harvest when alfalfa is in early bloom for optimal quality.
Can this be used like a lawn or landscape turf?
Not quite a turf lawn, but it’s a tough, functional groundcover. The mix is coarser and taller than typical lawn grass, but Kentucky bluegrass provides traffic tolerance and sod-forming ability. It works well in pastures, paddocks, or large open areas where durability and low input matter more than a manicured look. Mowed to 4–6 inches, it stays tidy with a natural, meadow-like appearance thanks to flowering clovers.
Still have
questions?
Our planting experts
are here to help.
Call Us
1-800-123-4567
8 AM–5 PM
Monday–Friday
Reviews
Pig Forage Mix by The Seed Nerds is a resilient multi-species forage seed blend, ideal for pigs, cattle, sheep, and goats. Adapted to USDA zones 4–9 (Great Plains, Midwest, Northeast, Pacific Northwest), this cool-season mix of grasses and legumes delivers high-nutrition pasture forage and soil-building benefits. Nitrogen-fixing clovers and alfalfa enhance fertility, while deep-rooted chicory and barley boost drought tolerance. Perfect for sustainable grazing and erosion control.
| Coverage Area |
|---|
