The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Land Management => Topic started by: dj80 on November 20, 2013, 04:57:52 pm
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Hi there, I have recently taken on 7 acres for my horses(and maybe some sheep in time) It is a section of a field that was used for i think barley a while back but has been unused for over a year. It is a great field, totally flat and sandy soil. We are just in the process of getting the contractor in to start fencing it and then will likely be sectioning it with electric. I just wondered what the general rule is with looking after grazing in terms of harrowing, spraying etc and what times of year and how often things need doing. I have already arranged the muck to be taken away at regular intervals.
Also im looking to have an open fronted shelter built, either one long section or an L shape. Does anyone know where i would find plans for building one or a supplier(not too expensive) in North Scotland
thank you x
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Better to move more often and not let the grass get too tight I think. So smaller paddocks and regular moves. Electric makes this nice and easy.
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SRUC (Scottish Rural Colleges) run courses on grassland management for horses.
Contact Gillian McKnight on 01463 233266 or e-mail [email protected]
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Thank you
I dont really want to do a course, i did have them on my own small farm for years but i had a local farmer take care of the land as and when things were needed. But that land was totally different. Im just really looking to know what needs doing when so i can ask the landowner x
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Generally I'd harrow grass in the spring just as the grass starts to grow and then again in early autumn if required to take out the thatch and let the sword recover/thicken up before the winter.
Spraying wise - wait and see what comes up that needs controlled.
Bare in mind that more active ingredients are going off the market now and so we are left with fewer products.
No a lot of clover safe products about and those that are left don't always do a great job on weed control.
Also bare in mind that chemical is not the first choice for treatment of some weed problems e.g. Buttercups - check the soil pH and/or any drainage issues, reeds - drainage issues.
Watch out for ragwort - I'd hand rogue it out as opposed to spraying it.
For treatment of thistles, docks and nettles - when spraying with the likes of Pastor, the weeds have to be sprayed at a certain time and normally all 3 weeds aren't at the same stage at the same time for spraying.
In that case possibly better to spot spray or weed wipe with glyphosate.
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If you have docks, thistles and nettles, strimming or scything them down will weaken and eventually kill them. I always wait until they are just about to flower then hack them down - very therapeutic, good exercise and less damaging than sprays.
I agree that ragwort is best dug out and burned.
We harrow all the paddocks hard in the spring, then lightly as stock moves off during summer to break up and spread the muck.
Top as required.
I'd recommend soil testing for P,K and pH - you can then get a contractor to spread whatever you need.
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thanks very much :thumbsup:
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Timberscape do very sturdy buildings suited to our balmy climate up here :)
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Also Saltire (Cupar in Fife and cover all of N Scotland) do good ones, eg they can put long slats at top of back wall to let gales through rather than the wind taking the shelter away! (it's still sheltered inside), we have one of these.
Or Farmplus specialise in open fronted timber shelters.
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Also Saltire (Cupar in Fife and cover all of N Scotland) do good ones, eg they can put long slats at top of back wall to let gales through rather than the wind taking the shelter away! (it's still sheltered inside), we have one of these.
Or Farmplus specialise in open fronted timber shelters.
I've heard good things about Saltire.