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Timothy is a long-lived, cool-season perennial bunchgrass with a fibrous root system. The crop performs very well under cool, moist conditions. Timothy is a commonly-used forage ingredient in most hay and pasture mixes and is also grown in pure stands, producing high-quality hay that is consumed domestically and exported globally
Field Selection
Timothy is a low-input crop that grows well on poorly drained, low-productivity
soils. Timothy is fairly tolerant to flooding in the spring and the field it’s planted in must
be free of residual herbicides such as Edge® and Treflan®. It’s important to review the field’s herbicide history before planting, as clean fields are important to minimize weeds at harvest and earn top prices. Glyphosate should be applied in the fall prior to seeding to help eliminate perennial weeds.
Weed and Disease Control
Herbicides are available to control broadleaf weeds; however, no herbicides are available for controlling grassy weeds. Once established, Timothy provides significant crop competition.
Seeding
Timothy is a very small seed that must be sown shallow into a firm seedbed. Cover crops such as wheat, oats, and flax may be used. Timothy is seeded at 2 lbs/acre.
Harvesting
Timothy must be swathed, typically in early August. It is earlier than most crops, which helps to split up harvest. Harvest timing for Timothy is five to seven days after cutting, depending on the weather. Timothy is considered dry at 10% moisture but can be harvested at 14% or 15% and dried in an aeration bin. Don’t use heat as it can affect germination. Timothy straw must be removed from the field at harvest.
Seed Yield
Timothy yields have ranged from 200 – 600 lbs/acre net clean seed, with a five-year average of 350 lbs.
Production Benefits
- Multiple crop years reduce workload during
the planting season - Straw has relatively good feed value for livestock
- Increases soil organic matter
- Break-crop effect benefits annual
crops in rotations - Guaranteed minimum contract pricing with
the opportunity to capture market upside - Excellent profitability track record
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Seeding Rate | 2 lbs/acre |
| Seeding Depth | Max ½ inch |
| Row Spacing | 7 – 15 inches |
| Seed Production Life | 3+ years |
| Companion Crop | Wheat, oats, flax or none |
| Soil pH | 5.5 – 8.0 |
| Fertility | Low fertility requirements |
| Swath Timing | Early August |
| Harvest Timing | 5 – 7 days after swathing |
| Seed Moisture | Dry is 10% |
| Seed Value (Est.) | $0.75 – $1.50 / lb |
| Seed Yield (Average) | 200 – 600+ (400) lbs/acre |
| Cost of Production | Low |
Timothy Tech Sheet & Moisture Chart
SEED PRODUCTION GUIDE
CONTACT A SEED PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
From scouting and selection of production fields, fertility programs, pest management and growth regulator recommendations to swathing, harvest timing and cover crop management, a dedicated Seed Production Specialist is with you every step of the way to help maximize returns.