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5 Responses to Beech Meadow Farm “Pastured Poultry” Spring 2009 #1

1. No offense taken – just curious really. I agree with you 100% on your observation. They do trample much of the long stuff and definitely prefer clover, alfalfa, and the native herb species to the long grasses.

   We’ve got to get more aggressive with the cattle grazing in order to get more of the preferred species into the stand. That’s a whole different topic 😉

   

   beechmeadowfarm
   February 14, 2012 at 9:45 pm
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2. It’s not a criticism, just an observation. In my experience, they just trample this stuff and don’t consume it. Short, new grass and clovers seem to be grazed much better.

   

   hbunderw
   February 14, 2012 at 10:01 pm
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3. Also we run these on active rotationally grazed cattle pastures and are working to NOT use the mower in the process. That would be a major negative to be balanced against any benefit obtained for the broilers by shorter grass.

   BTW – Chickens make pretty good mowers themselves. Particularly for some of the weeds that the cattle leave behind

   

   beechmeadowfarm
   February 14, 2012 at 10:24 pm
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4. We’ve read most of what’s available on the topic (Salatin, etc.) and while short grass is mentioned as being preferred nobody is very specific as to why exactly. This indicates to me a potential personal preference.

   We see no performance (conversion, losses, etc.) problems with the above length with the exception of the pen being more difficult to move 😉

   If you don’t mind elaborating on what is meant by “like” we’d be happy to get more details.

   Otherwise our experience says its just fine.

   

   beechmeadowfarm
   February 14, 2012 at 11:11 pm
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5. Grass is too long. Broilers like it short. :)

   

   hbunderw
   February 14, 2012 at 11:44 pm
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