Producers across South Georgia are facing a challenging forage situation this spring. Cool early temperatures delayed the growth of bermudagrass, and dry conditions have followed — leaving cattle pastures short on usable forage just as summer pressure builds.
As a result, many producers are considering warm-season annual grasses like pearl millet and sorghum to fill the gap. However, seed availability, livestock safety, and planting costs vary widely between the two options. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your operation.
🌾 PEARL MILLET
Safe and Drought-Hardy — But Expensive This Year
- Ready to graze: ~35–40 days after planting
- Start grazing at: 20–24 inches
- Leave a stubble height of: 9–12 inches
- Nutritional value: TDN 52–58%, CP 8–11%
- Safety: No prussic acid – safe for all livestock
- Best for: Horse owners or high-value grazing systems
⚠️ Note: Pearl millet seed is in short supply and very expensive this season, making it less accessible for many cattle producers.
🌿 SORGHUM, SUDANGRASS & HYBRIDS
More Affordable & High-Yielding — But Requires Caution
- Ready to graze: ~45–50 days after planting
- Start grazing at: 24 inches
- Leave a stubble height of: 8–12 inches
- Nutritional value: TDN 53–60%, CP 9–15%
- Safety: Can develop prussic acid (toxic to livestock under stress)
- Best for: Cattle-only operations with good grazing management
⚠️ Do NOT graze sorghum species with horses. These forages can cause cyanide poisoning and urinary issues in equines.
🔥 CURRENT CONDITIONS CALL FOR TOUGH DECISIONS
With pastures producing less than normal, some producers may need to begin feeding hay or sell part of their herd to reduce grazing pressure and conserve feed. Rain is urgently needed to help both permanent and annual pastures begin producing again.
If you’re planting summer annuals:
- Sorghum hybrids are more available and offer high yield for cattle
- Millet remains the safest choice for horses
- Carefully manage grazing height and regrowth to extend forage lifespan
📊 QUICK COMPARISON
| Feature | Pearl Millet | Sorghum / Hybrids |
|---|---|---|
| Days to Grazing | 35–40 | 45–50 |
| Drought Tolerance | High | Moderate to High |
| Prussic Acid Risk | None | High under stress |
| Safe for Horses | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Seed Cost (2025) | High (short supply) | Moderate (more available) |
| Ideal Use | Horses, drought-safe grazing | Cattle-focused, high-yield systems |
✅ FINAL THOUGHTS
This year, grazing decisions are driven as much by weather and seed markets as they are by pasture need. Talk with your Extension agent about planting dates, grazing systems, or hay feeding strategies to weather this forage shortage.
Publications
Drought Management Strategies for Beef Cattle
Drought-Related Cattle Feeding Problems
🌐 More Resources: georgiaforages.caes.uga.edu
