The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: TheSmilingSheep on September 19, 2014, 06:12:42 pm

Title: last topping of the season....
Post by: TheSmilingSheep on September 19, 2014, 06:12:42 pm

Have been topping our fields regularly over the summer (small flock of sheep can't keep grass down).  Just wondering if it's better to leave grass fairly long (8-10 inches) now, so it's 'available' over the winter, or whether better for the fields to give them a 'last top' now.... even though they probably wont grow much anymore?  Our topper isn't very 'low' and will leave the grass 4-6 inches.... Devon land.
All advice warmly embraced!

Title: Re: last topping of the season....
Post by: Carse Goodlifers on September 19, 2014, 10:14:02 pm

Given that its still growing weather/conditions I'd top the grass.
If the sheep aren't keeping on top of it at the moment, after topping I'd let the grass put any energy into putting out new growth that the sheep will likely eat.

Or is it worth trying to get a small cut from it for haleage?

Title: Re: last topping of the season....
Post by: Hellybee on September 20, 2014, 09:13:51 am

We d top

Title: Re: last topping of the season....
Post by: Porterlauren on September 20, 2014, 11:26:25 am

Topped ours yesterday.

Title: Re: last topping of the season....
Post by: TheSmilingSheep on September 20, 2014, 06:41:15 pm

Thanks all. Will top tomorrow (weather permitting!). Don't have cutting equipment for haylage etc, sadly.