seed choice for pasture?

[christinepi]

I took this question off since I've found an answer.

[lliptak]

Ah, but now I have the same question. I have the option to plant about 1.5 acres and am wondering what is the best crop or crop mix for llamas. I am in the SW part of the US, high desert, in Albuquerque, NM. I can irrigate the field and it currently has some alfafa along with a lot of weeds like bind weed and pig weed. I had it all cut and thought I would bale it; but the cutter I hired said it wasn't worth much - maybe $2/bale. (He called it a trash field)Its not that I am in the market to sell it, but given the cost to bale, it makes more sense to buy higher quality bales than pay to have my field baled this year for feed in the winter even though I already paid for the cutting. Most people around here would till it all up and plant straight alfalfa. I think becuase it grows fast and they can get 2-3 or maybe 4 cuttings a season. But, I would like to create a blend of a good pasture mix just for llamas they can eat over winter from the bale. Perhaps some percentage of timothy, brome, and a smaller part alfalfa (?). What would be the perfect camelid pasture to bale up for the winter (mildish winter in ABQ)?
Lynda

[Marty McGee Bennett]

Have you talked with an extension agent? Other breeders in your area? They might be a good place to start. I am of the opinion it is not worth baling hay that isn't good. If the standing crop is iffy then the hay will be terrible and the animals won't eat it.