Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Six Acres of Alfalfa








Seeded in fall and established over six months on rainwater, our alfalfa pasture welcomed our layers late May.  It's a six-acre pasture, primarily seeded with alfalfa, and divided into three two-acre blocks for rotation.  The chickens have been busy pecking at the vegetation near their mobile coops, but there's plenty more in waiting!

The pasture is intended to stand year-round, so we'll minimally irrigate during summer and fall.  Also, there is a mixture of drought-resistant grasses seeded in the ground to take place of the alfalfa when it goes dormant in winter.  The mix includes orchard and rye grass for fall and vetch for winter.