Seeding rate is extremely important in establishing a good forage stand. University Extension staffs and USDA-NRCS conservationists frequently discuss this topic. Much of their information is outdated because it was developed for less intensively managed hay crops or for conservation plantings. Agriculture Canada recommends seeding rates that are at least double ours! Their recommended tall fescue seeding rate is 35+ lbs./acre. A gimmick to sell seed? No. Most seeding recommendations were developed when good annual hay crop yields were 2-3 tons per acre in the North. Today these same fields can produce 7 tons of hay per year. It comes from higher inputs, including seed. With grazing, part of the high seeding rate comes from the need to have a dense sod to support livestock. Hay fields don’t tiller (grow new shoots) as much; higher seed rates are needed to make up for this. Remember the Oregon State University recommendation that seed be planted the minimum rate of one seed per square inch. Let’s review what that means for seed rates.
1 acre = 43,560 square feet or 6,272,640 square inches
| Species | Seeds per pound | Seeding Rate @ 1 seed/sq. inch |
| Perennial ryegrass | 227,272 |
27.5 lbs. |
| Orchardgrass | 454,545 |
13.8 lbs. |
| tall fescue | 181,818 |
34.5 lbs. |
As conditions and germination are never perfect, 10% should be added to the recommended seed rates given in the table for precision seeding. For broadcast seeding, add 20%. High quality, high yielding forages will supply a return for years to come. The decision is yours.
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