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Cool Season Grasses
Smooth bromegrass or brome performs well on good moisture soils throughout the state. Little difference in yield and stand persistence has been noted between northern and southern strains of brome in North Dakota. Standard crested wheatgrass has performed well on droughty soils in central and western North Dakota, especially for early season grazing to defer use of native ranges. Fairway crested wheatgrass is considered more drought tolerant than standard, but standard is preferred for pasture.
Slender, intermediate and/or pubescent wheatgrass should be included in most dryland grass seed mixtures. They are considered "insurance" grasses because their seeds germinate quickly and produce vigorous, fast-growing seedlings that provide considerable forage while other grasses and legumes are becoming established. These grasses are poor competitors in forage stands and will tend to disappear with time, especially under grazing conditions.
Russian wild rye is a special use grass that can be managed more intensively for grazing if seeded in pure stands. Its high nutrient-retaining quality allows early spring and summer growth to be saved for late summer and fall grazing. Russian wild rye seedlings cannot compete well with weeds or a companion crop, so if soil conditions permit, seed without a companion crop. It is not suitable for hay production.
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