New varieties may do as well as the management applied to them, but no better. MANAGEMENT IS KEY TO ALL FORAGE PRODUCTION. First learn to manage well what you now have before you tear up the whole farm! Even the worst stand can be improved with good management. Good management means doing those things which create a good growing environment. Key components to a good growing environment include freedom from compaction, good drainage, adequate fertility and pH, ample soil organic matter, and proper harvesting techniques. These principles apply to most growing plants. Many farms have very beautiful lawns and vegetable gardens but so-so pastures and hay fields. It always boils down to the same thing. The lawn gets fertilized, aerated, irrigated, has the weeds removed, and is mowed before seed heads emerge. Treat your hay land and pastures like a big lawn. Once you have management under control, then it is perhaps time to introduce new and better species or varieties.
A good practice is to always grow some of your new bought seed in a flower pot or in your garden so you can identify your new plants in the field. This is also a good check of germination.
Previous chapter:>Introduction
Next chapter:>New Pastures