SMALL-SCALE Planting Pasture Grass for Cattle with no Tractor, Heavy Machinery, or Equipment

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Today I am walking you through a small-scale planting of pasture grass for cattle. I planted 4 acres of Rye Grass and Crimson clover with no heavy machinery or equipment. The results matched my method in that the germination of these grass seeds was moderate: not as much germination as could have been with an official dragging, but enough to make me happy :). I hope you enjoy this video on planting pasture grass for sheep and cows!
-the Shepherdess
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"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

[@theShepherdess]

🐑🥩CLICK HERE for my FREE GUIDE to raising beef and lamb: bit.ly/bflmbGUIDE

[@jerrygibs8120]

You truly are a Shepherdess in the physical with your sheep & cows but, also when you Spiritually sow your video narrative with the Word, you encourage souls on God's green earth to grow and prosper in Him. Thanks sister. God bless your efforts 30, 60 and one hundred fold in Jesus' Mighty Name. I enjoy your videos. Blessings... ☝️🙏🙌👍👉🌅...

[@theShepherdess]

Blessed beyond measure by these words, Jerry! Grateful to be used by the Lord and grateful for your encouragement. -the Shepherdess

[@tritchie6272]

@@theShepherdess I might have to check out more of your video's. I like that your a believer and if this video is any indication you keep your Language good and clean. It's also a plus that you didn't over complicate things and try to sound all scientific. Maybe it's my Personal Bias but when somebody tries to sound fancy and scientific about things that have a simple explanation it makes me cynical and annoyed. And that's despite the fact that I've done enough reading and such that I can usually understand what they are saying. From my experience it seems like those who talk the most educated in reality have the least common sense,and sometimes the fewest ethics. Meanwhile I've met people who sound poorly educated but had lots of common sense and good ethics. Like my Grandpa who was from South East Kentucky (Appalachian area) for example. So that's a plus you brought to the table for me.

[@samkinpommers4558]

Nice job! I seed every day. Move the cows. Broadcast the seed. It makes it more of a routine and less of a chore. I also get extra flushes of grass. That allows me to increase both my stocking density and stocking rate while building better soil.

[@theShepherdess]

Great information here! Thank you so much for sharing. -the Shepherdess

[@sherrieblake8674]

Silly question- do you broadcast and then let cows trample the seed? Thanks

[@18Rhapsody]

@@sherrieblake8674 that's a great question, hope an answer comes forth

[@michaelripperger5674]

What type of seeds do you find the best

[@samkinpommers4558]

@@sherrieblake8674 I generally throw the seed down on the paddock that the cows just left. The birds get some but some germinates. When the cows come around again some of the plants have gone to seed and those get trampled in or pass through the cow.

[@Digger927]

Those little seeders get it done if you have the legs and back for it, I have a couple of them and they definitely give you a workout. I've overseeded about 220 acres this spring but I used a tub spreader with my ranger and a 3pt tub spreader on a little 100hp tractor. Even at that, it was a pretty good chore. Broadcasting rates are generally recommended almost double drilling rates. It's pretty tricky to get it to the soil where there's any thatch. A lot of the time you really don't know what you have for a year when it comes to clovers especially. A lot of the seed is hard seed and may lay there for quite a while before it sprouts and then establishes. Very rarely is it a waste of time though, just a matter of getting the seed out there. Lol, no matter how much polybraid, posts and reels I buy, I'm always way short of what I "need". I think I nee to buy stock in a few of those companies.

[@theShepherdess]

😂 True story about the posts and poly wire. I don’t think all the seeds germinated this season, but they are there so, like you said, they’ll sprout in the coming years. -the Shepherdess 🐑🌱

[@juliedesalvo2475]

I just googled "how to create pasture without machinery" and your video popped up. Well, this looks like a great place to start. It's cold and snowing up here in Canada right now. So I suppose it'll do me good to sit and watch some of your videos with pen and paper in hand. Thanks for sharing 🙏💖✨

[@evelynrogers7145]

I agree . Forget amazon

[@cooperholdaway9559]

"Do what you can with what you have, and see what you get. Because it may be just exactly what you need." What an awesome piece of wisdom to think on going into a new week! Like the old hymn goes 🎶It is no secret what God can do, what He has done for others He will do for you🎶 God will always supply us with what we need, whether it is tomorrow, next week, or next year, we can rest assured that it is on HIS PERFECT timing! Have a blessed and productive week Grace!

[@theShepherdess]

Cooper, needed this reminder and encouragement tonight! Thank you, brother! Appreciate you. -the Shepherdess

[@DanKlein_1]

That last shot was great. I wouldn't have thought forecasting it over existing pasture that it would take hold that well. It did good. No mistaking it with those red blossoms.

[@theShepherdess]

Yes! I can’t quite ID the rye grass, but there is no mistaking the red clover! I was definitely pleased with the results. Thanks for the comment! -the Shepherdess

[@annadietz3037]

Looking great!!!!!!! Keep up the FANTASTIC work!!!!!! Annnddddd.... I'm going to have to make "Do what you can with what you have, and to see what you get. Because who knows?... You may just get exactly what you need." my new motto!😉

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, Anna!!! God is good all the time. 🙌🏻🌱 -the Shepherdess

[@patriciabeyer7824]

Lots of work. Spring and summer are wonderful. Fall is lovely. Beautiful colours.

[@theShepherdess]

Amen!! -the Shepherdess

[@richadeyemi]

This is very informative and helpful to a startup rancher

[@mwesigwav.katabazi7900]

Hullo watching live in uganda Africa, yr have inspired me , i have been telephone farmer, but changed my mind to a full-time job, thanks for yr inspiration

[@kayleighdrouin6378]

I'm gonna do this for our goats, rabbits and horses. Thank you! We have 5 acres and only use half. The rest is wooded. I'm hoping I can run the goats through the woods to clear it and make more of it usable. But our pasture really needs a pick me up also.

[@0Hillbilly]

Mr. Karl strikes again, what a wealth of knowledge and a blessing to beginners. Pasture looks great, im curious to see how the clover helps those weak areas. Another great video, God bless!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, sir! I totally agree and am very grateful for him. -the Shepherdess

[@roarkbjorn2389]

Who is Mr Karl.? A channel i need to watch? thanks

[@jamesa5720]

Thanks for the great video and I agree that we should avoid Amazon. There are so many scammers on Amazon fencing stolen goods and so much of what you see otherwise is Chinese made. I never use them and never will. I am going to be developing pasture on a mature pine plantation along with harvesting merchantable pine logs. I am planning on mulching limbs and slabs to cover seed that I broadcast...since pine land is already high in acidity, I wonder if using pine mulch will be an issue? I may need to buy a limestone quarry, ha. It's good to see our younger generation farming.

[@FulbrightFarmstead]

Always nice to see what one can accomplish with a strong will and without "necessities"!

[@MaryMary-du5xv]

God bless you my dear 😇 you don’t need to work out. You have enough to take care of your farm and the animals that is more than exercises in the gym ---thank you for The tips you are a philanthropist ! I wish you health and wealth and happiness in Jesus name amen 🙏🏻 ✝️

[@theShepherdess]

God bless you for your kindness and prayers, Mary! I am so grateful for your support. ❤️❤️ -the Shepherdess

[@crazycoyote1738]

Sweet!! The farm, the progress, and especially the farmer!! Thanks for sharing, and stay strong!!

[@theShepherdess]

Appreciate your encouragement so much! Thank you! -the Shepherdess

[@justincampbell240]

I love it! "Absolutely possible." Glad to see your tutorial in seeding. I plan to do the same for my 5 acres in sections. Thank you!

[@CoderToHomesteader]

Looks like it turned out well.

[@theShepherdess]

I was pleased with the results! Thanks for the comment :). -the Shepherdess

[@jimetnavarro6003]

Your pastures are looking great!! And don't forget your 🌞 screen 😁👋🌸🍀☘️🍀🌾

[@theShepherdess]

Haha! Yes, sunscreen is a must for this farmer!! 😁😁 Thank you so much for your support and comments. -the Shepherdess

[@footplate0]

Those seed drills are the best thing since sliced bread. That's the first time that I have seen a rotary handle that you turn. The ones I have used are bow seed drills, which are the same principle except you "play" the bow string moving it back and forward. I would imagine that your new rotary one gives you less of an arm ache. The added benefit to your land is that it is not being compacted by big heavy tractors and in so doing allows the "crop" to establish much better and have a better root structure. Good roots = good soil, so I think its a win win on that task. As always thanks for posting

[@theShepherdess]

It really was a handy little tool for the job! That’s a good reminder about machinery and soil compaction. Thanks as always! Your encouragement keeps me going. 😁 -the Shepherdess

[@tzurtex6336]

Our method of planting pasture, is that we use bean,potato bags and that. We fill up the bag with seeds and shake. It’s pretty useful especially in ranches that we can’t access in vehicles.

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you for sharing!

[@tzurtex6336]

@@theShepherdess which the pasture we use it for cattle. When it’s raining season it grows up to six to 7 feet tall

[@rajibjoshi9647]

giving nice pasture to farm animals seems very important looks like your plan was basically successful mother nature and basic hard work is the formula for success

[@richardanderson2742]

Farmers buy knee pads and back braces, not gym memberships. I'm 69 yrs old and can assure you that taking care of your joints and back when you are young pays huge dividends later in life. Injuries that you shrug off as minor now will come back to haunt you in later years....so protect yourself.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Agree 💯

[@bethelwilson2870]

Nice! I did some research and was planning on planting crimson clover for the bees and wanted something that was also good for my future sheep. Crimson clover is apparently better than I thought. I didn’t know that it gives back to the soil. Thank you for this confirmation! 😊

[@tomcurran8470]

Check out Johnny's Seeds as they have organic and are a good small company.

[@anthonyleake5002]

That clover came in thick. Love the horse!

[@spinderella3602]

I bought a seed mix made for the desert SW where I live. Make sure that sunscreen doesn't have benzene in it. I make my own with zinc oxide or wear a full veiled hat.

[@toddshook1765]

Thank you for sharing your farm. I am in high desert of Southern Calif on 3-acre little homestead. Got our chickens and garden going and we raise meat chicken when needed. I want to plant some foliage for ground cover and very soon like to get a meat cow and pigs. Try to arrange enough foliage to support cattle for grazing so not to buy too much feed and grain. Thanks for explaining how you plan pads. Think you said break into 5ths for 3 cattle for 48 hours? Been in touch with couple seed companies to help with work in my area. Thanks for the inspiration; like you said use what I have see what I get. God will provide the rest.

[@theShepherdess]

Yes! 5ths, then adjust larger or smaller based on how quickly they eat it down. 👍🏻 Thanks for your comment.

[@rafaelvicente460]

Wonderful job! For men like me, that come from and belong to a culture where It is no common that women work so hard...it's simply admirable to look so hardworking woman! You're just awesome! Blessings...

[@charleswalters5284]

Bet they work harder than you

[@joshruiz1752]

Good job!!!! i didn’t know you could plant this in November for it to be ready in March!!!😮😮😮 Good job girl🤙

[@joshhagen4182]

Thankfully I’ve inherited dove acres and have a little 16 Kubota I figured it be perfect for something small scale… though a lot of planting for now will be done by hand just preparation thankfully is easier

[@dcct1905]

Your results certainly look better than my winter frost seeding of clover.

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks for the encouragement!!! 😁😁 -the Shepherdess

[@AbundantAcresHomestead]

we seed last fall

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

Farming will work a lot of your muscles, especially certain lifting and pulling muscles and jumping, running, walking muscles. But it will also wear out all your other ones, and that puts you at risk of serious injuries and spine and joint problems. So please all young farmers, take this seriously and do the stretches and certain exercises you need to make sure you're not getting a muscle imbalance. What helped me most was asking a physical therapist to asses the strength of my various muscle groups and give me exercises for every part of the body.

[@rickayers3150]

Very nice , job well done

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you, sir! 😁 -the Shepherdess

[@andyjones6361]

Amen Sis!!

[@taylormccallum]

Walking in a way that benefits you is always nice. I pulled pallet jacks at amazon for 3 years, 20 miles a day average. They fired me because the new hires are cheaper

[@elizebethparker5412]

I lost 5 pounds "farming" when the days became longer. 😂

[@theShepherdess]

Yes... I’ll choose pasture over a treadmill any day :). -the Shepherdess

[@jamibarnett9266]

Awesome! Thank you for this!

[@michaeldunagan8268]

I too avoid Amazon. I am surprised but happy you had "moderate" success. Great thinking to have animals increase the soil contact of the seed. If course, the age old "planting just before a rain fall" is always a winner. But to get moderate results broadcasting over sod: there are those in good with God like you; and then there are those line me.....🤷

[@Skashoon]

Well, at least you have a 4 wheel UTV. That’s more than I have, I overseed by carrying my feed scoop, taking a handful and broadcast it. Then walk back to the bag and refill and repeat. I pray for a small tractor with a loader or a UTV.

[@mathewritchie]

I would suggest some broad leaf plants like radish and turnip and some other Forbs

[@kaylahbasoco]

You go girl! I love it!

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you!! 😁😁🙌🏻 -the Shepherdess

[@kaylahbasoco]

@@theShepherdess You're welcome!

[@TheNakidGardeners]

Hmmm interesting concept. Might have to try this out. Right now we have regular clover, curly dock, and I think rye grass growing in our field. I think that is why the turkeys are growing so fast and healthy. Where did you purchase your seeds from?

[@theShepherdess]

My local co-op had the rye grass seed. I had to call around to a few farm stores to locate the crimson clover. 🌱 Thank you so much for your support of this channel! -the Shepherdess

[@jeffschoneveldinhishands]

Thanks again for your videos, God bless 🙌🙏

[@hirashamsi7323]

I am right here with you with not buying anything from Amazon,sometimes I find good bargains from thrift stores or even fb market place is good place to look as well.also there is a channel on KZbin by the name of “ Farm hands Companion “ I am learning old school farm build from this guy’ pac ma.’

[@theShepherdess]

So glad to hear it, Hira! Same for me: I really enjoy thrift store finds! -the Shepherdess

[@alonzolopez6264]

Awesome

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks, Alonzo! -the Shepherdess

[@tomcurran8470]

I'm NW NC renting a seed drill is at least $450/day, so anything to avoid equipment cost is smart. I get my seed from Johnny's Seeds from Maine.

[@Cmfacebk]

@the shepherdess, how did the annual rye do? I’ve been toying with doing this with sheep. I’ve been seeding clover in front of our Joel Salatin style chicken coops with great results. You’re right that doesn’t work with grass seeds.

[@theShepherdess]

It did great! It’s harder to pluck out than the clover, but rye germinate exceptionally well using this method!

[@jlpaints]

Awesome job!!! Next time call me and I will spread it for you. That’s what neighbors are for 👍🐑🐴🐂

[@theShepherdess]

That’s a plan!! 😁

[@Root_and_Fleurish_Farm]

Beautiful pasture ♥️🌱 hopefully it continues to improve from here

[@theShepherdess]

Thank you so much! That’s my hope! -the Shepherdess

[@delegate104]

Your farm its awesome! Great job!

[@danielclayton7524]

Great 4 u I have never used Amazon

[@RicksPhatPharm-vw2lb]

Those dorper sheep were bred for South Africas Highveld/Lowveld and fynbos conditions. I'm curious to know what fat percentages you have as the diet i just described is far from the flowing meadows you have. Good job none the less, they are great sheep to keep

[@Metalmize74]

Great video!

[@invincibell2433]

Love this!

[@Spiked2005]

Maybe a bigger range of seed would be more suitable, somewhat like a meadow mix with a big level of legumes

[@jacobparsons5942]

I havent bought off Amazon in 36 years

[@williampatrickfurey]

Fresh peeled(unpeeled from the store can house harmful bacteria) tumeric root or freshly opened achiote seeds from pods might help as far as the sunscreen thing goes by the way. I've eaten the peeled tumeric after a day in the sun and it actually gave me energy almost immediately after the sun's oxidative effects had taken it out of me. Better that it's done before or during though, I believe. I'm guessing my body no longer had to use it's own mechanisms/energy as much to prevent further damage, also I recalled the water and fat soluble antioxidants which should come out of our pores/skin

[@amieabshire7869]

Do you plant any warm weather grasses? If not, what kind of grasses grow in your pastures in the summer? I’m also in zone 8.

[@breesechick]

❤❤

[@treetop5752]

Ryegrass will smother clover every time

[@roarkbjorn2389]

Great video . How has the rye and clover worked out , re stocking rates ? Would;d you do anything differently > I am in KENTUCKY, and looking at doing what you have done. Really appreciate your work and advice .Thanks

[@jamesa5720]

You have also opened my mind up to using annual rye grass seed instead of perennial rye seed which is about three times more expensive. So, if you can let rye go to seed in the late spring, what happens to the seed through the summer or do you have to harvest the seed and replant in the fall?

[@sonjajohn-14]

We live in North West Texas and have 5 acres. We have lots of mesquite trees. Once we clear it, would this be one first seeds to plant for future lamb pasture?

[@michellekalous8599]

Why would you plant annual ryegrass instead of perennial ryegrass?

[@guyhickson7332]

Did you get some in your boots? I am going to give this a try. Mostly weeds here so far

[@ea32da32]

How much seed did you get in your boots? I enjoy your channel, send videos to my son who bought too many +^%*+^% sheep and put them on my pastures 🙄. Now what the heck do we do with all these things…?

[@sonnymery4193]

is it possible to broadcast a bunch of seeds without having to cover them with soil?

[@brandonderijk587]

i like the shirts

[@theShepherdess]

Thanks! 👍🏻 -the Shepherdess

[@futtermanfarms6791]

what kind of pasture did you start with? perennial Bermuda? or ???

[@MrMagoo321]

@The Shepherdess can you please send me a link to the bulk seed website? Just a reply here should be good. I recently moved to a small piece of land which had a bunch of non beneficials growing on it and I've cleared it down, I want to turn it into a beneficial pasture with nitrogen-fixing plants and a high-protein Graze for livestock. Much appreciated!

[@hart796]

Did you take soil samples before planting? What was the cost of both bags of seed? Great video. Ty vm

[@theShepherdess]

Yes,I did take soil samples! The clover was around $60 per bag and the rye was $40. 👍🏻

[@johnstobbscpa8081]

neat video. It'd be helpful if you shared where you find stuff and avoid amazon.

[@Rocky1765]

Did you say "threon" os a poor sign of soil? I cannot seem to find that on internet search.

[@garden2tableproduce]

Does crimson clover come back

[@dr.outdoors1549]

Do you water your pastures?

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Can you plant both of those in mid summer right before a rain?

[@josephmclennan1229]

Are you in Hopkins county Texas?

[@Kberrysal]

Did you ever think about using sainfoin

[@theShepherdess]

No, I think I heard that it can be invasive. Thanks for commenting! -the Shepherdess

[@Kberrysal]

Sainfoin is hardy in cold, winter temperatures and is more drought tolerant than alfalfa and has earlier spring growth. ... It is a non-invasive species, produces excellent honey from seed production fields and is resistant to alfalfa weevils. It grows well in calcareous or high pH (pH>7.0) soil.Mar 23, 2016  www.dtnpf.com › 2016/03/23 Sainfoin, Fenugreek: Not Your Everyday Feed - DTN/Progressive

[@theShepherdess]

Excellent info! I may look into this. -the Shepherdess

[@Kberrysal]

@@theShepherdess What are the benefits of sainfoin?Natural wormer - sainfoin provides effective worm control when fed to livestock as it disrupts the worm’s life cycle.Protein source - sainfoin contains condensed tannins which bind to

[@fruitfulorchardcic]

Do you keep your male and female animals together when grazing?

[@theShepherdess]

Only from October to April :)

[@hiddenvalleyfarmstead]

I'm about to do the same thing on our bare Arizona soil. Trying to get pasture established before I get some Dorpers. Did the pasture hold these year after year or do you keep reseeding or over seeding every year

[@theShepherdess]

The clover kept coming back! The rye was just one year :).

[@hiddenvalleyfarmstead]

@@theShepherdess that's awesome!! Thanks! God Bless!!

[@jesayamutota4219]

How big is your farm in Ha?

[@manchibs1965]

Did you allow the animals to graze on it or yoi waited till sometime

[@theShepherdess]

I allowed the animals to graze on it 3 times. November, February, and then April (the month the footage was taken).

[@south_coast_tackle]

Quesion...if we have a 4 acre field, how many smaller paddocks would you suggest breaking it up into to run 4-5 cows on it? We have this field and it has great grass on it but I want to do something similar to what you are doing on yours but with just a few cows and no other animals. Great video! Thanks!

[@shemmac4700]

what are the red flowered plant?

[@michaelripperger5674]

Crimson clover

[@charleswalters5284]

Grass is too short

[@jesperandersson6798]

No forbes....?

[@theShepherdess]

clover is a legume/forbe. 👍🏻

[@jesperandersson6798]

Plantain and chickory...

[@Viralvault4u]

My god u can talk

[@verisimilitudo1]

Amen. I boycott Amazon as well as Wal-Mart.