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First off, I don't know what will work in Texas. I'm a long way from there.... However, we do plant annual ryegrass every year. We also have some perannual (sp) mixed in some of our pasture stands. This works well for us, and so far it has persisted well. What we call annual varieties I believe are correctly called biannuals though. They produce a heavy lush growth the first season, and then in the second season they basically produce a seed stem. The problem we've seen with at least one of these varieties is that it will bolt in the first season and set seed if it's under stress, which is worthless if you're trying to milk cows on the stuff. The varieties we've had were Ajax, Maris Ledger, and Fabio, with Ajax being the far superiour variety in terms of volume and digestability. The Maris Ledger simply was never as lush a feed as the Ajax for whatever reason. I would have to go back and check, but I believe these were all tetraploid italian varieties. Any of them like their water, and heat. No water, and they do nothing.... I'd keep that in mind. In terms of planting, we just use an old Massey 33. The small seed box, fully open. Probably about 15-20 # per acre. Closer 15. Sometimes roll. Sometimes not. Some guys up here simply broadcast with a Vicon spreader and drag a chain. It doesn't seem to be difficult to grow, but we do generally have more than adequate moisture in the spring. Good luck. Rod
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