Grass Farming Startup Tips

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about getting started with World Feeder Bermuda Grass. For more detailed help after you have your grass established and in production, refer to the World Feeder Grower's Handbook.

1. I hear that World Feeder is a patented grass. What does this mean for me?

World Feeder Bermuda Grass is one of the only patented grasses in the United States (U.S. Plant Patent #7081). As such, it is protected by U.S. Patent Law. No one can sell, reproduce, or give away World Feeder sprigs without the express written permission of the patent owner, Mrs. Carol W. Gordon of Bethany, Oklahoma. Anyone attempting to do so, before the patent expires, is in violation to the laws governing patented products and is subject to prosecution by the U.S. Attorney General, at no cost to Mrs. Gordon. Also, World Feeder is a registered trademark name, so anyone attempting to use that name without express written permission is also breaking the law. The patent expires on December 19, 2009. After that, the grass itself will enter into the public domain. (The patent is non-renewable.) The trademark name "World Feeder Bermuda Grass" remains protected through 2015, so no one can market the grass under that name without the permission of WFI. Pirating (illegal replication) of World Feeder is a serious crime and will be prosecuted under the full extent of the law.

2. How many bushels should I plant to the acre?

We recommend 20 bushels per acre, or about one sprig every two feet. At this sprig density, assuming there are adequate moisture, proper soil fertility and weed control, you should have complete coverage in 90 days¹ after planting.

For northern climates or higher altitudes having a shorter growing season, we recommend 25-30 bushels to the acre to make sure you get a complete stand that will withstand the first killing frost.

¹ This can vary depending on weather, location and field conditions.

3. When and how should I plant the grass?

Spring is the best time to plant in order to take advantage of spring rains. Summer planting requires that you irrigate the ground both before and right after you plant the sprigs.

Proper planting technique is crucial to getting your grass established. There are four primary methods. (Refer to the World Feeder Grower's Handbook for more details.)

1. Hand-planting
2. Broadcasting and disking
3. A local Bermuda grass sprigging service
4. The WFI sprigging service

Hand-planting is recommended for acreages under five acres, but it can be time consuming. Expect it to take three to five hours per acre with two people working hard to distribute the sprigs.

Broadcasting and Disking is the technique in which you distribute the sprigs by hand or by machine (such as a manure spreader) across the surface of the acreage to be planted, then disk them in lightly, no more than one to two inches deep at the most.

Third-party sprigging services are available, but can be expensive. You may want to consider renting a sprigging machine and doing it yourself to save money. Call us if you have any questions.

The WFI custom sprigging service is available for acreages over 30 acres in size.

4. How should I prepare my existing pasture for planting World Feeder?

We recommend using two quarts of Round-Up® Ultra per acre to kill out common Bermuda grass, fescue and other grasses. To get an enhanced kill, you should add 17 pounds of ammonium sulfate to every 100 gallons of water you intend to use. Add the Round-Up® to the water mixture right before you begin spraying, as the Round-Up® loses its potency rather quickly.

5. How important is using the proper soil fertility program?

Following the proper fertility recommendations will allow you to gain coverage about 21-30 days sooner than without it, providing a heavier root system that produces more hay or grazing the first year.

6. How much will my total fertility program cost?

According to our experience, a high-quality program should run you less than $30 per acre per month. (Of course, if you have unusual soil conditions, this amount could be higher.) That does not include the nitrogen that you will need to apply if you are maximizing hay production (after the first year of establishing the grass).

7. How much rainfall do I need in my area to produce 10 tons of hay per acre?

Typically, assuming normal conditions, if your area receives 40+ inches of rainfall per year and you follow our program, you can expect this yield once the grass gets established. If your area receives approximately 30 inches of rainfall, you can yield seven tons per acre. You can yield four tons per acre with approximately 20 inches of rainfall. There are some soils that are so deficient that the grass will not produce this well.

8. Will World Feeder grow in rocky terrain?

Yes, it will. It has the ability to turn poor land, even salted-out land, into productive cropland. However, rocky land is almost impossible to dig sprigs from later on, so donít make that your nursery plot!

9. Do I need to be concerned with hard pan?

Not really. We are only really concerned with the top six to eight inches of soil. We have found a superior soil penetrator product that will loosen the soil to allow the roots to go deeper.

10. How much moisture does World Feeder require?

During the first 30 days, it is very important to make sure the sprigs remain viable; they will need about one inch of moisture per week. If the soil is very sandy, ¼-inch twice a week is needed. Once it gets established, ½ to ¾ inches of moisture per week is recommended. Once the root system has been established, World Feeder can survive prolonged periods of drought where there is sufficient sub-moisture; but to maintain production, ½ to ¾ inches is recommended, along with proper fertilization.

11. What level of protein is typical for World Feeder hay?

We have some customers who follow an intensive management program. Their hay tested between 24%-26% protein. It will typically run 18%-22%.

12. Is moisture a problem in baling this hay?

It needs to be dry enough so it won't mold – usually around 18% or less moisture. Because of the fine stems and leaves, World Feeder usually dries from cutting until baling in approximately 3 - 4 days.

13. Where did World Feeder Bermuda Grass come from?

It was discovered growing on our land in Bethany, Oklahoma and has been growing vigorously since 1981. It has unique genetics - a completely new grass that we find to be superior in virtually every category. Many of our customers will tell you itís the best crop they have ever grown.

14. What is required to be a successful grass farmer?

You need three things:

1. You need a good grass.
2. You need a good fertility program.
3. You need good management techniques.

WFI stands ready to help you in all three of these areas.