[Jacob-list] general sheep questions

[Neal and Louise Grose]

Red clover shouldn't be a problem in hay. You can expect similar results as alfalfa (though it is harder to get red clover put up with all it's leaves and green). Summer cut red clover is a concern for horses because of a blister beetle, but other than watching for bloat when feeding pure red clover, I wouldn't worry too much. 

Red clover is a biennial / short term perennial, it's quality drops more quickly after flowering than does alfalfa. 

Crimson clover is late summer seeded annual. It has decent growth in fall with most of its production in spring. It is an excellent rescue and green manure crop

Neal Grose
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Linda 
  To: Neal and Louise Grose ; jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 5:43 PM
  Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] general sheep questions


  I was watching that storm on radar today hoping we'd get some of it!  

  I was classifying crimson clover with the red clovers, but I guess it's not?  Crimson clover grows like a weed around here, so that's good to know.  Although if we don't get some rain, it doesn't matter what I plant!  What would you think about red clover in the hay?   A local guy has some rolls, but they are pretty thick with red clover, so I've been wavering on buying them.

  Linda
   
  www.patchworkfibers.com
  Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun Yarn


  > Well, par for the course, I just spent two afternoons mowing hay
  > and was in the middle of a field getting ready to bale when an
  > unexpected thunderstorm (weathermen are such liars) came up and
  > rained me out. About a 1/4 inch I think. Enough to wet the hay so
  > that I will have to start all over again, but not enough to help
  > out the severe draught.
  >
  > I think that crimson clover will be OK. It is a good emergency
  > annual. Red clover and ladino clover are the ones that I have heard
  > may have negative effects on cycling. For the most part, it should
  > only be a problem if that is the primary forage. I would not expect
  > a problem in mixed stands that are 2/3 grass.
  >
  > Your Jacobs can live on things that would kill a froo-froo horse.
  > But from what i have seen, non-froo horses can actually do rather
  > well if placed in a situation where they are given the right kind
  > of environment and not pampered. They're kinda like husbands and
  > children.
  >
  > Neal Grose
  > Hot North Carolina
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