Hay Seed High Tread

A mixture of grasses that is not quite as palatable as our Hay Seed Forager mix, but one that will produce equal yields when grown for hay and provide greater durability for high traffic pastures that are heavily grazed.  As with our Hay Seed Forager mix, the Hay Seed High Tread can withstand herbicide application for control of broadleaf growth.

Ingredients: Fescue – Tall (Forage-Type), Orchardgrass, Ryegrass – Perennial (Forage-Type), Ryegrass – Annual, Brome – California

Tall Fescue: Tall fescue is a long-lived, cool-season bunchgrass known for its durability, drought tolerance, and strong regrowth, making it excellent for pasture and hay. This is a forage-type tall fescue specifically bred for livestock grazing. Cons:  Its coarser texture is less palatable than some other grasses. Lifespan:  6-12+ years (long-lived)

Orchardgrass is a cool-season, perennial bunchgrass valued for its early spring growth, high-quality forage, and suitability for both pasture and hay. Cons:  It is sensitive to overgrazing, may clump without uniform use, and can go dormant in summer without adequate moisture. Lifespan:  4-6 years, sometimes longer.

Perennial Ryegrass: Is a fast-establishing, highly palatable cool-season grass ideal for grazing and short-rotation hay. The variety used in this mix is a type specifically for livestock to graze on. Cons:  It has a short lifespan, poor drought tolerance, and declines quickly in hot, dry summers or under heavy use without overseeding. Lifespan: 2-4 years

Annual Ryegrass: Is a quick-growing, highly nutritious grass used for temporary pasture, spring grazing, or cover cropping. Cons: Not winter-hardy, must be replanted yearly, and competes with slower-growing perennials if seeded too densely. Lifespan: 6-12 months

California brome is a cool-season native perennial bunchgrass valued for drought tolerance and palatable forage, performing well in shaded or dry pastures. Cons:  Slower to establish than other grasses. Lifespan: 4-6 years

*Note: Ingredients and percentages may vary depending on seed availability.  We may not have this seed premixed ready to ship or pickup so please allow a few days for us to have this ready for you.

*Approximate Percentages in Mix: 60% Tall Fescue, 15% Orchardgrass, 10% California Brome, 10% Perennial Ryegrass, 5% Annual Ryegrass

Best for:  Cattle, Sheep, Horses (heavy-use or dry areas)
            Pros:

•  Strong drought and traffic tolerance
•  CA Brome thrives in arid soils
•  Ideal for sacrifice areas and poor ground
  Cons:
•  Lower forage quality
•  Not suited for high-production systems

 Best Regions:

• Central Oregon – Yes, with some irrigation for best results
• Southern Oregon – Yes, with some irrigation for best results
• Willamette Valley – Yes, ideal for this area with no irrigation

Perfect for gateways, lanes, or worn-down areas. High Tread provides ground cover and durability where quality forage isn’t the top priority but hoof pressure is high. Works well also in a pasture you don’t want to reseed very often and leave in for several years.

The best time to plant is when the soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees F.  These soil temperatures usually occur when the daytime air temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F.

**For larger quantities than listed for sale please contact us for availability and pricing.

The broadcast rate for seeding is 56 – 70 pounds per acre.

The seed drill rate for seeding in rows is 28 pounds per acre.