Teff Annual Pasture Grass Seed For Cattle, Horses, & Livestock

Teff (Eragrostis tef) - A warm-season annual grass commonly used for hay production, silage, green manure, or grazing. Excellent forage quality and fast growth, can be cut multiple times during the growing season. Very fine stemmed and fine-bladed growing 3 to 4 feet tall, making it highly palatable to all classes of livestock. The crude protein levels of Teff hay are much higher than other grass hay and a nutritive value comparable to Timothy grass. Widely adapted to a range of soil types, but does not do well in waterlogged soils or highly saline areas. Teff Grass Seed is most commonly planted in pastures in full sun for horses, cattle and other livestock. 

Planting:

• Plant after all risk of frost has passed. Typically late May through late July
• Teff grass does not germinate well in cool soils. Most planting occurs after June 1st
• Seeding rate 8 to 12 lbs/acre for coated seed
• Broadcast or drill A firm seedbed will enhance germination and establishment
• Seeding depth 1/8 to 1/4 inch
• Emergence in 3 to 6 days under optimum conditions

• For optimum quality, harvest in pre-boot to early boot stage, approximately 45 to 50 days after planting
• Harvest regrowth in 40 to 45 days depending on location and environmental conditions
• Cutting height 3 to 4 inches
• When harvested at the proper stage, crude protein will normally be in the 15% to 20% range.

Management:
In general, 50 pounds of nitrogen per acre at planting will be adequate for good forage production. Small amounts of nitrogen may be needed after each cutting, however, too much nitrogen causes severe lodging. Soil testing is important since teff needs adequate phosphorous, potassium and sulfur for optimum growth. For optimum forage quality, teff should be harvested in the pre-boot to early boot stage, approximately 45 to 50 days after planting at a cutting height of 3 to 4 inches. Harvest regrowth in 30 to 45 days depending on environmental conditions.