Working Ranch Magazine March/April 2025

pasture management BY LORETTA SORENSEN

like Fruechte to explore seed mix options, gather data such as rainfall averages, site soil types, and overall site conditions to facilitate seed mix decisions. It’s also helpful to know site features such as weed populations.

“Producers save themselves significant costs by work ing out a detailed seed mix plan based on their growing goals and spe cific site data,” Fruechte

says. “The cheapest way to feed a cow is to let her do it herself, and getting the pasture estab lishment phase right

the first time is far less costly than having to seed the site again.” Regarding cost, Fruechte notes that grass seed variety prices fluctuate from year to year due to demand and/ or overall production. “There are always price swings,” he says. “Currently, sideoats grama seeds are twice as expensive as normal because that small indus try didn’t have as many production acres this year. Each year, some grass species seem to be affected by some Diversity in a pasture helps build the site’s resiliency, as different spe cies thrive under various conditions. Perennials offer the most common benefits, although annual forages may suit a producer’s growing goals too. New perennial cool-season grass varieties are developed and intro duced each year. However, depending on growing goals and site conditions, native grass varieties such as big blue stem, little bluestem, switchgrass, and Indiangrass may be a better choice. “Native grasses are long-lived plants,” Fruechte says. “They tend to be drought tolerant and water effi cient. Many of these grasses are deeply rooted, meaning they are water-effi cient and don’t require fertilization.” aspect of production.” SMART SELECTION

RENOVO SEED

Master of the Mix How to select the best pasture seed mix for your forage production goals.

hat will developing that ideal seed mix for your pasture site take? Renovo Seed (www.renovoseed.com) Ag Prod uct Expert Justin Fruechte says thoroughly identifying the producers’ forage growth goals, understanding the site location’s climate and soil conditions, and knowing how

to prepare the soil bed are primary factors in successfully identifying the most suitable grass varieties for a specific site. Properly established pas ture sites can remain productive for years, and appropriate maintenance and grazing practices can ensure their continued productivity.

generations.” The company offers 1,200+ species, narrowed into about 80 pre-built, proven-to-work mixes, and works with farmers, ranchers, and landowners. When preparing to work with experts

Established in 2023 in Brookings, South Dakota, Renovo Seed offers “a robust seed lineup and an unmatched team of experts who design prac tical, tailored solutions to improve the resiliency of land and business

36 I MARCH 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.