The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Helencg1 on June 21, 2021, 11:09:16 am

Title: Topping long grass
Post by: Helencg1 on June 21, 2021, 11:09:16 am

Hi, I have 6 pet sheep on a 1 acre field. Patches of grass around the outside have got away and are now knee high and gone to seed. The main area in the middle is much shorter with just the odd long grass. Am I ok to flail mow the long stuff whilst the sheep are in there?

Title: Re: Topping long grass
Post by: twizzel on June 21, 2021, 12:24:16 pm

Yep, can’t see why not. They’ll probably eat the bits of topping but I’ve never had a problem with this.

Title: Re: Topping long grass
Post by: Anke on June 21, 2021, 03:02:48 pm

Yes we often have to top while the sheep are in the field - we normally do one half first, then give them time to come over and "inspect" the topped grass while we carry on with the second half.

Title: Re: Topping long grass
Post by: Buttermilk on June 22, 2021, 10:12:14 am

Mine know to move out of the way as the tractor goes round.

Title: Re: Topping long grass
Post by: arobwk on June 22, 2021, 07:34:09 pm

Just watch out for mole hills and consider possible risk of far-flung projectiles if topper catches some stony stuff.