Horse Pasture Guide

Through GrowMaster® Crop Services of Southern States, you’ll receive the expert level of adviceyou need to produce and maintain healthy and environmentally safe pasture for your horses.

GrowMaster is the name for our team of Certified Crop Advisers, Technical Service Providersand Professional Applicators. Through continuous education, these GrowMaster professionals areuniquely qualified to help you manage your pastures, from seed to fertilizer to crop protectants.

All Southern States proprietary seed in this publication has earned the respected GrowMaster

seal of approval. These premium products have met the quality standards of cost effectiveness,agronomic and environmental soundness.

To prepare for planting season, visit your local Southern States dealer today and let us show youhow GrowMaster Crop Services outperforms the competition.

GrowMaster Crop Services include:• A team of certified professionals• Soil testing instructions, supplies and advice• Proprietary products that meet GrowMaster-quality standards available only at Southern States

At Southern States, when we say “Brands Your Trust. People Who Know” it’s more than just a slogan. It’s our promise to you.

Cost-effective, agronomically sound and environmentally responsible growing solutions.

GrowMaster® is a registered trademark of Southern States Cooperative, Inc.

For a high quality horse pasture, ask the experts at Southern States

A high quality pasture not only supplies your horse withgood forage, it provides your horse with a natural andhealthy environment for exercise, entertainment andrest. And it helps you control feed costs.

Fall is the best time to plant, fertilizer and lime a cool-season pasture. Late spring and early summer are the best time for a warm-season pasture. The proper timing for establishment is very important in developing the proper root system for providing the best forage for your horse over the growing season.

Once a pasture is established with a strong root system,it ultimately means less re-seeding and rebuilding in thefuture. In other words, less work for you.

Healthier pastures begin with Southern States.

Southern States products and services can help yougrow a healthier, more nutrient-rich pasture, becauseour people are thoroughly trained with the agronomicskills necessary for pasture management.

From soil testing to seed mixes. From optimum sprayprotectants to fencing. Southern States is the supplier ofchoice when it comes to equine pasture management.

• Soil testingIt’s essential to know what nutrient levels are present inyour soil. A soil test will reveal any gaps to be filled sothat your forage will grow properly. Ideally, it’s best to dothis about a month ahead of planting to be ready to plantat least one month before the first frost.

Soil test instructions and supplies are available fromyour local Southern States dealer. The test resultsgenerally take 7 to 10 days.

• pH FactorProper pH is especially important, since it affects theway fertilizer is utilized by the plants. In the fall, plantsuse specialized fertilizer blends to promote root structure.

Since soils in the Southeastern U.S. tend to have a pHless than 6.0, a high quality agricultural grade groundlimestone should be used to raise pH levels to the proper6.0 to 6.5 range.

Dolomitic limestone is effective because it’s safe andsupplies essential calcium and magnesium. Nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium (or potash) are additionalnutrients plants need in order to grow and survive. YourGrowMaster professional can help you design a programto properly balance soil pH for optimum fertilizer uptake.

• Pasture care and maintenanceTwo to four acres of pasture are recommended for eachhorse, but smaller areas can be used for limited grazing.Fields can be divided into paddocks, and in some cases,paddocks can be subdivided with temporary fencing tobetter use the forage.

Once fertilizer and lime applications are completed,allow the pasture to become well established beforeturning out your horses. Ideally, horses should be turnedinto a pasture when the grass is 8 to 10 inches tall, andremoved when they have grazed it down to about twoinches. Pastures may need to be clipped during thegrazing season, since horses are spot grazers.

• Controlled grazingFor the best use of your forage, it’s suggested that youimplement rotational grazing. That is, divide your pastureinto six to eight paddocks. Let your horses graze in eachpaddock for four or five days, then rest it for 30 to 35 days.

This kind of controlled grazing will help pastures producemore high quality forage over a longer period of time.

Southern States carries a complete line of temporary andpermanent fencing supplies to quickly and easily accomplishyour grazing needs. Ask your local Southern Statesprofessional if you need a little help getting started ormaking upgrades to your farm with specialty horse-safefencing products.

Horse Forage & Pasture

When making your decision, vigor and persistence are characteristics you want from your forage seed. Choose forages adapted to your climate and soil. High performance varieties will return many times over and provide your pasture with improved yield, longevity and disease resistance..

Cool-season grasses produce higher quality forage and grazing during fall and spring seasons with less productivity during the warmer months. These varieties do not tolerate extreme heat and drought. Orchardgrass, bluegrass,

perennial ryegrass, timothy and low-endophyte and non-toxic endophyte tall fescue are good choices for KY, WV, MD, DE, VA and Western NC. These grasses are perennials and function best when seeded in late summer and early fall.

Warm-season grasses produce higher quality forage and grazing during late spring through early fall with less or no productivity during the cooler months. Most varieties will go dormant after the first hard frost. For the cooler months, we recommend overseeing with annual

ryegrass. Laredo Bermudagrass Blend is the best choice for a permanent pasture in our Southern territory - Eastern NC, SC, GA, FL and AL. This grass functions best when seeded in the late spring and early summer.

PRO HORSE PASTURE MIXPro Horse Pasture Mixture brings three of the highest quality forage grasses together in one package, perennial ryegrass, orchardgrass and timothy. This mixture will establish quickly and provide season long grazing. With a higher percentage of Kentucky Bluegrass, Pro Horse Pasture Mixture is suited to more intensive use areas, although rotational grazing is still advised. Kentucky bluegrass is the cornerstone of a good sod to ensure good footing for horses. Finally, ladino clover is added to provide extra nitrogen as well as being an excellent forage.

Ingredients:30% Orchardgrass (Benchmark Plus)25% Kentucky bluegrass (98/85)25% Perennial Ryegrass (Boost)15% Timothy (Derby)5% Ladino Clover (Will)Seeding Rate: 20-25 lbs. per acreSeeding Date: Spring (March-May) Fall (September-October)

Cool-season areas

Warm-season areas

BENCHMARK PLUS ORCHARDGRASSSelect for improved persistence in hay and pasture.• Seeding Rate: 15-20 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: Spring (February-April), Fall (August-September)• Early maturity• Excellent for pure grass hay and pasture• Good vigor and persistence• Excellent disease resistance similar to Benchmark• Selected for persistence under grazing

HAYMASTER ORCHARDGRASS• Seeding Rate: 15-20 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: Spring (February-April), Fall (August-September)• New late-maturing variety• Excellent for grass-legume hay• Good vigor and persistence• High quality and palatability• Quick recovery after cutting

COOL-SEASON GRASSES:

Alfalfa and White CloverMixing in 5% to 10% legumes, such as alfalfa and white clover, will enhance your pasture’s protein value and will reduce the nitrogen fertilizer requirement of the grasses. Legume levels should be limited to no more than 25% to 30% of your pasture. Excessive legume content could cause colic problems in horses.

DERBY TIMOTHYNew early maturing variety.• Seeding Rate: 6-10 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: Spring (February-April), Fall (August-September)• Excellent winter hardiness• Excellent yield potential• Selected for improved regrowth after cutting• Excellent companion to legumes in mixtures

Horse Forage & Pasture

ALL-VANTAGE™ seed coating gives your alfalfa every possible advantage. This superior coating combines a rhizobium inoculant, fungicide treatment, micronutrient package and seed coloring to give your planting an added boost during germination.ALL-VANTAGE™ is a trademark of Allied Seed LLC.

EVERMORE ALFALFAFeatures rapid regrowth after cutting and excellent winter hardiness.• Seeding Rate: 15-20 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: Spring (February-April), Fall (August-September)• Very high yield potential• Excellent drought tolerance• First choice for use under intensive management systems• Good seeding vigor• Treated with ALL-VANTAGE™ seed coating• Rapid regrowth after cutting

WILL LADINO WHITE CLOVERQuick fall recovery for more grazing days.• Seeding Rate: 2-4 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: Spring (February-May), Fall (August-October)• Improved variety with higher yields• Widely adapted• Excellent for diluting effects of endophyte fungus in tall fescues, especially in summer• Excellent winter hardiness• Selected for persistence• Coated with ALL-VANTAGE™ Ferti-Coat for improved stand establishment

ENFORCER ALFALFANew advanced generation potato leafhopper resistance• Seeding Rate: 15-20 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: Spring (February-April), Fall (August-September)• Highly resistant to potato leafhopper (80%)• Improved forage yield and regrowth after cutting• Excellent winter-hardiness and forage quality• Treated with ALL-VANTAGE™ seed coating

HORSE PADDOCK PASTURE MIXHorse Paddock Pasture Mix is a mixture of quality components that will provide a horse with extended season quality grazing and footing. Kentucky bluegrass is the cornerstone of a good sod to ensure good footing for horses. Active rhizome (underground stem) development is the key to Kentucky bluegrass’s ability to create a solid sod. Perennial ryegrass is one of the highest quality cool-season forage grasses available. Timothy also has good quality and survives the toughest winters with ease. Tall fescue extends the productive season of the pasture as it retains decent forage quality past frost. Finally, ladino clover adds nitrogen to the soil as well as providing highly desirable forage for the horse. The presence of ladino clover reduces the need for additional nitrogen application.

Ingredients:30% Orchardgrass (Benchmark Plus)20% Kentucky bluegrass (98/85)20% Perennial Ryegrass (Boost)15% Tall Fescue (Select)10% Timothy (Derby)5% Ladino Clover (Will)Seeding Rate: 20-25 lbs per acreSeeding Date: Spring (March-May) Fall (September-October)

HAYMASTER ORCHARDGRASS• Seeding Rate: 15-20 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: Spring (February-April), Fall (August-September)• New late-maturing variety• Excellent for grass-legume hay• Good vigor and persistence• High quality and palatability• Quick recovery after cutting

LAREDO BLEND BERMUDAGRASSSpecially blended for high quality hay, grazing and silage.• Seeding Rate: 12-15 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: April-July• Highly productive for, green chop or pasture• Excellent palatability and spreads rapidly• Extremely heat tolerant and cold tolerant• Drought and alkali tolerant once established• Coated with All-Vantage® Ferti-Coat for improved stand establishment

WARM-SEASON GRASS:

DESSIE TEFFNew! High yielding warm-season annual forage grass • Seeding Rate: 8-12 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: May-July• Excellent palatability and forage quality• Ideal for horses and other livestock• Great for use as an emergency forage crop• Coated with ALL-VANTAGE™ Ferti-Coat for improved stand establishment

DWARF HYBRID PEARL MILLETExcellent choice for hay.• Seeding Rate: 20-25 lbs. per acre• Seeding Date: June-July• Produces lots of wide leaves• Superior leaf-to-stem ratio• Tolerates acid soils very well• Emergency summer forage

SUMMER ANNUALS:If extra forage is needed for summer grazing, hybrid pearl millets or Dessie Teff will provide a high quality forage with good drought tolerance. It takes about 45 to 55 days from time of seeding until it is ready to be grazed. Keep in mind that these are annuals which only grow one season and will have to be replanted the following year. Summer Annuals should be planted in a separate paddock or field and not overseeded on existing pastures.

Do-it-yourself weed-free pastures

Make no mistake, weeds are the enemy of any goodpasture. Weeds take valuable nutrients and water fromthe very plants we encourage to grow. Some are eventoxic and present a real threat to your horses.Appearance, horse safety and economics are three goodreasons to get those pasture weeds under control.

Many horse owners attempt to combat weeds by mowingor using a garden hoe, but both of these methods are ineffective in the long term. The only real way to stop the spread of weeds is by using spray herbicides.

Horse-friendly herbicides

Southern States carries several horse-friendly herbicides.These may be broadcast, sprayed over pastures, as well as used to control weeds on fence rows and spot treatments. The only difference is that concentrations are stronger for fence rows or spot applications. There are no grazing restrictions for these horse-safe weed killers. No special license or permit is required for application.

Ask our GrowMaster professionals for recommendations on YOUR pasture.

Sprayer Application OptionsYour local Southern States dealer and GrowMasterprofessional can help you identify the most convenientand effective sprayer equipment for your pasture. Hereare three of the most common options.

1For small spot applications, a garden sprayer shouldbe adequate. Sprayers come in several models that

hold approximately 1 to 3 gallons of pesticide mix.

2A second option is the backpack-mounted sprayer.Using one of these on your fence row and around

gates will vastly reduce the effort needed to keep fencesclear of weeds. The tank comfortably holds about 4 gallonsof spray mix – about 35 pounds when completely full.

3Broadcast applications or sprayers require some typeof motorized equipment. If you happen to have a Gator

or ATV, there are tanks, booms and sprayers availablethan can be temporarily mounted to spray herbicides.These tanks should be in the 25 to 30-gallon range. Theynormally are powered by an electric motor that is suppliedelectricity from the vehicle.

The advantage of equipment-mounted tank sprayers is theirability to spread a constant width pattern and, with practice,you can become a proficient DIY spray boom operator.

Larger tanks can be mounted in a pickup truck, on aplatform made for the 3-point hitch on a tractor or evenmay be mounted on a trailer. Driving power may comefrom a power take-off connection or a separate gasolineengine. Spray mixes in these larger tanks will weighapproximately 8 pounds for every gallon.

Southern States offers a full range of quality sprayersfrom a 1 gallon disposable model to commercial gradesystems. All designed to meet your specific needs. Theprofessionals at Southern States can help determine theright sprayer and weed control program for your pasture.

• An acre is 43,560 square feet (about 200 feet on a side)

• Knowing your acreage will help you determine how much concentrate to buy

• Excess herbicides can be safely stored for 2 or 3 years

• Stored herbicides should be kept dry and out of ultraviolet light

• Store in a location to prevent freezing

• Chemicals should be rain-fast 24 hours after application• Attack weeds as early as possible in the spring and continue as needed throughout growing season

• Stop applications if drought conditions emerge

• Ask your Southern States dealer how to optimize your herbicide application with the use of surfactantsHER

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Southern States Premium Feeds

Ask the professionals at Southern States how we canhelp you increase your horse’s comfort and save youtime. A combination of quality stall mats and premiumbedding products help make stall management easierand quicker. You’ll spend less time cleaning and moretime enjoying your horse.

Southern States®, Southern States® Legends® and Triple Crown® – superior feed for the life of your horse.

No matter how well we care for our horses, their beautyand performance depend on exceptional health. And thathealth begins with a nutritionally advanced feed.

That’s why Southern States brings you Southern States® Legends® and Triple Crown® horse feeds – premium feeds to meet or exceed your horse’s nutritional requirements. Available in a variety of protein levels and pelleted or textured forms, it’s easy to find the right formula best suited for the optimum performance and maintenance of your horse.

Our partnership with Cooperative Research Farms, theworld’s largest farmer-owned research facilities, enables usto research the latest nutritional, mineral and vitamin theories, follow through on university research and conduct feed trials. It has also helped us develop advanced quality controls.

Southern States®, Southern States® Legends®, and FeedMaster® are registered trademarks of Southern States Cooperative, Inc.Triple Crown® is a registered trademark of Triple Crown Nutrition, Inc.

Southern States is committed to delivering the promise “People who know”. The FeedMaster® program is a comprehensive animal feed and nutrition training program exclusive to Southern States.

FeedMaster certified employees offer the best possible counsel on feed nutrition and feed solutions. FeedMaster specialists are educated on nutrition, reproduction, and the animal health solutions for both equine and production livestock. They are also educated on pasture management, weed identification, and making the best pasture seed recommendations.

Employee training is provided by veterinarians and land-grant university professors and focuses on equine, dairy and beef animal health and nutrition. This on-going education ensures that Southern States employees are equipped with the most current and complete information available.

By delivering sound and safe feed and animal health recommendations, FeedMaster Feed and Animal Nutrition Specialists will assist you in making the best possible management decisions for your animals.