[shygirl]

we have leased 2 paddocks out for a year, ending next spring.
they are currently unused and the grass is way high. i havent seen the tenants even set foot on the land so im sure they wont get it cut at all.
what affects will long grass lying all year have on the ground ie will it lie flat and kill off the grass underneath? or would it recover with hard grazing and resting.
thanks

[Still playing with tractors]

Did they say they were putting livestock on? if not they have probably rented it as naked acres to adjust their cap payments.
Yes if the grass is left it will suffer later from winterkill. How long is the grass at the moment?

[Rosemary]

Agree with BA.

Our paddocks were undergrazed whan we moved here and we didn't had enough stock (or a topper) to keep it down. The grass was pretty rough but I found the ponies are VERY good at grazing it down IF you strip graze it hard, then harrow to break up the droppings.

Then harrow, harrow, harrow in the spring to lift all the dead stuff. We've got a spring tine harrow that has been worth its weight in gold.

[shygirl]

they rented it as it is next door to their house. they have mentioned getting a shetland pony but at the moment the grass is 3ft high as hasnt had any animals on it since april. i have used it for sheep and cattle previously.
the lease expires in april so im not sure whether to discuss it or just let them get on with it.

[Rosemary]

they rented it as it is next door to their house. they have mentioned getting a shetland pony but at the moment the grass is 3ft high as hasnt had any animals on it since april. i have used it for sheep and cattle previously.
the lease expires in april so im not sure whether to discuss it or just let them get on with it.

Idiots. The last thing any Shetland pony needs is knee deep grass.

Who do they rent it from?

[shygirl]

its my field, iv never let out land before and presumed they would actually use it.
admittedly they are paying a good rent but its sad to see it going to pot.

[Still playing with tractors]

Rosemary is bang on with her suggestion with strip grazing, but i think for your own good you will need to speak to them and educate them on the grass care aspects. at that length it will need to go as hay or long cur silage or flail it. the grass will bounce back for the rest of the year.

[SallyintNorth]

Is it possible they are trying to manage it as 'traditional hay meadow'?  Ie, not cutting before July 15th (or July 22nd on some schemes), and then making hay?

If not, I'd certainly be suggesting that to them!  And you've got stock would eat the hay, haven't you?