Teff Grass

Teff Grass hay is a good low-sugar option to discuss with your vet. Teff is generally low in non-structural carbohydrates, but levels vary with growing conditions and cutting stage, so we recommend testing each batch before feeding a laminitic or EMS horse. It has 9 to 14% protein, and because it contains some oxalate, ask about calcium too.

We recommend Teff Grass. It is a fast-growing C4 annual that is ready for early-boot harvest about 45 to 55 days after sowing, with later cuts roughly every 30 to 35 days, depending on moisture and fertiliser. Cut at 70 to 95cm, leaving about a 10cm stubble for good regrowth.

For Teff Grass, sow in spring once soil temperatures are 16°C and rising. Plant the seed as shallow as possible into moist soil at 3 to 6 kg/ha. Teff is terminated by frost, so it is strictly a warm-season crop. It thrives under irrigation and responds quickly to nitrogen.

With Teff Grass, we recommend starting grazing when plants reach 50 to 70cm, and not grazing below 10cm if you want good regrowth. Slashing after grazing promotes even regrowth. Under ideal conditions, you can expect four or more grazings. Graze early to avoid coarse stems being left behind.

Teff Grass is non-toxic and suits beef cattle, dairy cows, sheep and horses, for grazing, silage or hay. Its fine-stemmed, soft, leafy foliage is very palatable and highly nutritious, with 9 to 14% protein. Like most C4 tropical grasses it contains some oxalate, so we recommend it is not the only pasture species in a horse paddock.

Teff Grass is fairly drought hardy once established and has good heat tolerance. It thrives under irrigation and responds quickly to nitrogen, although delaying harvest or excess fertiliser can cause lodging. It is not frost tolerant and is terminated by frost, so sow in spring once soil temperatures are 16°C and rising.

Teff Grass tolerates low pH and suits loam to heavy soils, but waterlogging tolerance is not one of its attributes, so avoid paddocks that sit wet. It needs 450mm or more of rainfall, or irrigation, under which it thrives. Sow shallow (0.3 to 0.6cm) at 3 to 6 kg/ha once soils reach 16°C and rising.

We recommend cutting Teff Grass at around 70 to 95cm, at early boot stage before seed heads appear, with a 10cm stubble. This is usually about 45 to 55 days after seeding. Teff has a thick, dense canopy with a deceptive yield, so it often cuts more than it looks.

No, Teff Grass is a summer annual and is terminated by frost. Within the season it regrows well, giving multiple cuts or four or more grazings under ideal conditions. For year-round cover, follow it with a winter annual, such as our Ezigraze Forage Oats or an Italian ryegrass.

Both are fast summer annuals. We recommend Teff Grass where you want fine-stemmed, soft, high-quality hay, especially for horses, with multiple cuts through the season. Shirohie Millet is a common alternative for quick summer grazing. Tell us your end use, stock and water supply and we'll help you choose.