Pearl Millet

After the dry last summer and continuing lack of grass in autumn and winter, I've been trying to find something that can be planted cheaply in summer and provide grazing for my sheep in autumn and winter.

Searching on this forum I watched a video where Sudangrass was sown into very short grass. But there are poison issues with this, so doing further research I found, 'Pearl Millet' which is a similar annual.

My idea would be to plant it in my hay paddock, immediately after the hay is removed.

The cheapest way would be to broadcast it with my ATV and then roll it or I could ask a neighbour to direct drill.

If I can plant it myself, seed would be the only cost (apart from my time and diesel), so if it failed it's not the end of the world.

I realise that it needs moisture to germinate but if it doesn't rain the grass there won't grow either.

I'd graze it (leaf), before it grew too high and hopefully manage 2 or 3 grazings

It is an annual, so would the roots left be beneficial to the soil?

There is a dwarf/semi dwarf type called Tifleaf 1 that may fit the bill.

Impracticable idea?

Lastly does anyone know where Pearl Millet can be sourced?

Thanks
 

Samcowman

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Cornwall
Sounds like a good plan especially as the grass will be sulking for a bit after being cut. The key would be moisture and cost of the seed. Putting something in the field to nibble off any early growth before the seeds come up. Good luck with it. It’d be worth a try.
 

Poorbuthappy

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Devon
Why not try a mix of seeds when drilling?
Sort of hedging your bets and seeing what likes your conditions best.

But you've made me nervous now cos I've just mixed seed for the drill tomorrow including sorghum for a similar purpose. I'd not heard the toxicity thing before but the sorghum is only 1 of 10 different species in my mix, so I would think any toxicity will be sufficiently diluted. I hope....
Maybe pearl millet instead next time...

I would think you'd need to direct drill to have a hope of a reasonable take, unless you get good rain afterwards. Gabe Brown talks of it in his book and says good seed to soil contact is important for success.

Was thinking of spreading a good coat of dung on mine right after drilling.

@Great In Grass may be able to help you with seed supply.
 

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