Broadleaves
Sunflower (Black Oil)
Sunflower is renowned for its extensive and prolific root system and its ability to soak up residual nutrients out of reach for other commonly used covers or crops. This species can also take advantage of short growing seasons in case of damaging hail or poor emergence to cash crops. If planning to harvest for oil or seed or simply to attract birds, sunflowers have very similar planting and harvesting methods to that of corn. Because insects are attracted to the bright colors of sunflower heads, pollinators and beneficials such as bees, damsel bugs, lacewings, hoverflies, minute pirate bugs, and non-stinging parasitoid wasps are often found in fields of sunflower and in following crops. Sunflowers also work very well in cover crop cocktails/mixtures. With rapid early season establishment, additional covers under the canopy that normally don’t grow under cool conditions can begin to take advantage of warmer and favorable weather when sunflowers are growing slower. With upright growth and anchored plants in the soil, surrounding vining/climbing cover crop plants can support their own growth by working their way up to reach sunlight thereby providing the structure they need to grow. Because sunflowers can add significant biomass production in just a short growing season, they can also serve as additional forage or silage for livestock feed.
from $0.90 per lb
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Plantain (Boston)
Plantain is a low-growing forb that, like chicory, is high in minerals. It also contains a natural antibiotic compound that helps reduce infections and also modifies rumen fermentation to improve animal performance, similar to an ionophore like Rumensin. It grows very well on compacted soils and helps loosen them.
from $5.30 per lb
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Sesame
Sesame is a warm season broadleaf that is normally grown for the oil content of the seed. It is one of the oldest cultivated plants and has been grown by people for over 4,000 years. Sesame loves hot weather and can grow with very limited water as well as being fairly tolerant of low pH soils. Sesame can grow 5-6 tall and will put on bell-shaped, white and purple flowers late in the season which makes it a great addition to a full season pollinator mix. Sesame has little to no forage value as livestock will not graze it, but it can still be a good addition to a grazing mix so there is some taller standing structure after the cattle have grazed the paddock.
from $2.15 per lb
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Perennial Shortgrass Blend
A mix of Canada bluegrass, sheep fescue, creeping red fescue and chewing fescue, this mix offers a great blend of grasses for your lawn, garden, or any sort of perennial mix.
from $4.95 per lb
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Perennial Ryegrass (Remington PLUS NE2 Endophyte)
Perennial Ryegrass is an extremely palatable cool season perennial forage source. While most perennial ryegrass lacks drought and heat tolerance, RemingtonPLUS, boasts improved ability to survive in hot and dry climates. The friendly endophyte associated with this ryegrass allows increased heat and drought tolerance. Perennial ryegrass is excellent quality forage and is a great option for grass finished livestock operations.
from $3.80 per lb
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Chicory (Endure)
Chicory is a deep rooted forb that goes great in many perennial pasture mixes. Because of its ability to reach many minerals in the soil, this is a highly nutritious grazing plant especially before it blooms with blue flowers. Chicory has natural deworming abilities adding to its benefits in perennial grazing systems where it should be seeded at a low rate for cattle but can be increased for sheep or other small ruminants.
from $5.00 per lb
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Italian Ryegrass (Tetlia/Tetra Prime)
Italian ryegrass is an excellent option for grazing. This high quality forage withstands close grazing which allows for total forage utilization. Italian ryegrass is generally considered a biennial. The Tetra Prime variety has improved winter hardiness along with excellent drought tolerance.
from $2.00 per lb
