Pasture Prep???

[anthonyjames]

So I have been searching for about 6 months for a farmer to work with me to expand my little operation. I found a guy yesterday that is an organic gardner as well as aquaponics. He is looking to add my services to his CSA shares and for starting is willing to split 50/50 until we feel our contract has been met and then go to 85/15. He has 55 acres and is willing to partner with me to get started by letting me use 5 acres of is farm, a 30 x 200 structure where he used to raise pheasants and the runs that go with it for hens, turkeys and breeding.

Seeing as the land is completely tilled does anyone have thoughts on what I should plant for raising chickens and turkeys to start. Then potentially adding a few sheep to cut the grass in front at a later date.

He is willing to prep now for getting me out their mid summer for first batch of birds.

Thoughts/suggestions?

 

[scubaforlife]

Go to any feed store and ask for pasture seeds. I would go with the mix for cattle as its the most diverse. Its got timothy, clovers, grasses etc... What you want is a salad bar.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I'm using wheat, barley, oats, BOSS, alfalfa, and turnip(turnip GREENS are 20% protein!)
and WOW what a deal! congratulations!!!

 

[anthonyjames]

Thanks. In talking with my feed store they have a pasture seed that is:

Alfalfa
Clover Red/White
Rye - couple types
Orchard Grass
Timothy
Fescue

So you thing it would be good to throw turnip greens in there as well?

And thanks. This guy has taken me by surprise. He wants to be rolling with a few thousand birds by next year. I have not even thought of how to sell that many yet. Can hit up farmers markets for sure. But those will have to be processed at a state inspected facility.

I guess it is a good problem to have.

 

[kristen2678]

My brother-in-law has ordered from seedland.com with good results. He's not working on your scale, but called them with questions and said they were really helpful. They have Turkey/Poultry mixes too. Shipping costs might make it cost preventitive, but maybe it will give you some ideas. Your project sounds like a dream come true.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Make sure to get it all in writing! It would be a shame to put all that work, effort, & $ in just to have the guy change his mind. A good contract makes good business.

 

[petrelline]

Peaceful Valley sells a chicken forage mix: http://groworganic.com/item_SPI800_Omega3_Chicken_Forage_Blend_Irri.html

If you balk at the shipping you might be able to duplicate the mix with seed sources you have more local to you.