Plant Diversity Co.
Swath Grazing Cover
The Swath Grazing Blend
Waxy leaf surfaces (an evolutionary trait) of warm season plants have changed the swath grazing landscape. A blend including C4 plants such as Sorghum Sudan & German Millet allows the swath to shed moisture (rainfall) and hold palatability longer.
To learn more about the value of C4 plant species, click here.
Light Blue: Warm Season Plants Dark Blue: Cool Season Plants
Swath Grazing Cover
Plant Species in blend
C4 plants make this blend ideal for shedding moisture (rainfall) & avoiding spoilage when placed in a swath.
Seeding Rate: 60 Ibs/acre SKU: 2000 Ib Tote
Seed Tag: Click here
Inoculant Required: Learn More
FCC Financing is available for 2024-2025 seed purchases.
Swath Grazing Cover
Frequently Asked Questions
See below for the most frequently asked questions regarding the Swath Grazing Cover.
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If applying Nitrogen, keep below 40 Ibs/actual.
A multi-species rhizobium inoculant (NDURE) is required.
Excess nitrogen fertilizer will inhibit legumes in establishing a relationship with rhizobium bacteria. This relationship needs to be established for later season vegetation and growth.
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Due to the waxy leaf surfaces of the warm season plant species (limited evapotranspiration) this makes the blend ideal in a swath for shedding moisture (rainfall) & avoiding spoilage.
German Millet: Waxy Leaf
Sorghum Sudan: Waxy Leaf
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The Swath Grazing Cover will reach full biomass potential about 50-60 days after germination.
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Yes. Decaying high-diversity root biomass will improve soil function greatly. (Increased water infiltration, soil aggregation & biological activity)
Remember to benchmark this by following our Water Infiltration Protocol.
Swath Grazing Cover
Value of Waxy Leaf Surfaces
There are two main advantages of incorporating warm-season plants into the blend:
Reduce evapotranspiration from within the leaf.
The waxy leaf surfaces are ideal in a swath for shedding moisture (rainfall) & avoiding spoilage.
To learn more about the value of C4 plant species, click here.
Depending on soil temperature, soil chemistry, and environmental conditions present, a different spectrum of plant species in the canopy is always expressed.
This is why plant diversity is an insurance policy with Mother Nature.
Swath Grazing COVER
Seeding Best Practices
STEP 1: If weed pressure is an issue or you have a history of problem weeds on the field you selected, we recommend a pre-burn herbicide application (with no residual). Do not plant on fields with kochia problems.
STEP 2: If applying Nitrogen, keep below 40 Ibs/actual. A multi-species rhizobium inoculant is required. Excess nitrogen fertilizer will inhibit legumes in establishing a relationship with rhizobium bacteria. ‘
STEP 3: Do not broadcast. Target 3 ⁄4 of an inch or up to 1 inch if moisture is available. The larger seeds will “give way” to the smaller seeds in the blend. Do not bury the blend 2-3 inches into the ground.
STEP 4: Waiting for ideal soil temperatures (10 degrees C) allows the warm season species to establish & avoid frost risk - increasing the potential for yield, feed quality & drought resilience.
Farmer Panel Discussion
evolution of Swath Grazing
One of our most popular Farm Panel Discussions! Listen to three panelists from across Western Canada discuss their experiences with swath grazing.
Swath Grazing Cover
Swath Grazing Tips
Hear from Owen Taylor, who served as the Territory Manager for Manitoba and is also a farmer. Discover valuable insights he has gained during his experience with swath grazing.
Swath Grazing Cover
Plant Species in the blend
See below for some general information regarding each plant species in the blend.
Featured
Plant Diversity Co.
Farmer Testimonials
To find testimonials from farmers across Western Canada who have implemented Covers blends on their farms.
You can find further farmer testimonials on social media via Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
Click on image to view Farmer Testimonials.
Warm Season Cover
Local Farmer Meetings
If you’re looking for further education on the concept of multi-species cover crops for winter forage & grazing - consider attending one of our upcoming meetings.
A great opportunity to network with like-minded farmers from your area.
Click on image to view an upcoming Farmer Meeting near you.
Remember to apply for the OFCAF funding where you may be eligible to recieve $35.00/acre (max. $75,000) for adopting multispecies cover crops on your operation. Click here for help getting the process/application started.
Funding will differ across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, & Alberta.
Interested in Learning More?
We are farmers ourselves
Feel free to contact your Provincial Territory Manager if you have any further questions regarding the Swath Grazing Cover.
