These plant species are commonly used by farmers in Jackson
County. An improved pasture will consist of a well balanced mixture
of grasses and legumes.
Grasses
•
Orchard Grass is a highly productive grass suitable for hay or pasture
on well drained soils. It is not recommended in combination
with tall fescue.
•
Tall Fescue is highly productive grass that grows well in a wide
variety of conditions.
•
Perennial Ryegrass is a “cool season” grass used in pasture or hay production. It is
compatible with a wide variety of soil conditions.
Legumes
•
Ladino White Clover is a long lived highly palatable perennial clover well adapted to
irrigated pasture production in southwestern Oregon.
•
Birdsfoot Trefiol is a long-lived, deep rooted legume suitable for hay or pasture in areas
with drainage problems. It is very winter-hardy and tolerant of dry summer conditions.
•
New Zealand Winter Clover is a long-lived perennial clover adapted to wet soils and
irrigated land. It is not tolerant of acidic soils.
Nutrient management, based on soil tests results, and irrigation water management are a
couple of easy steps that rural landowners can take to improve forage production on pastures
in Jackson County. Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District, USDA Natural Resource
Conservation, and Oregon State University Southern Oregon Research & Extension
Center are excellent sources of information about these management activities.