Barley/4010 Peas

Pea & Small Grain Mixtures

Small grain and pea mixtures provide excellent forage quality and tonnage (see chart on page 51). The small grain allows the peas to stand more erect making them easier to harvest. Sometimes used as a cover crop for spring-seeded alfalfa to maximize forage production in the seeding year. Can yield 2-4 tons DM/acre. Grows best in cool weather.

Small grain and pea mixtures for forage quality and tonnage.

Best Use:

Seed at a full rate in early spring for silage or baleage. Can yield 2-4 tons DM/acre. Can be used as a cover crop for spring-seeded alfalfa to maximize forage production in the seeding year.

Requirements:

Not suited for dry hay. Inoculate before planting. Grows best in cool weather.

Management:

Harvest when small grains are at boot stage for best forage quality & quantity. Tonnage will increase as grain heads out, but quality and regrowth will diminish. Protein ranges from 14% to 19%.

Planting Date:

March – April or Aug – Sept. In spring, seed as early as possible.

Seeding:

Drill 100-150 lbs/acre at least 1” deep in early spring. Use the lighter rate if underseeding with alfalfa.