Western Pennsylvania Pasture

Hello all

I am in Western Pennsylvania. This post is regarding pasture management. I have a few questions I'm hoping some of you will be able to answer for me, but I would like to preface before I ask my questions.

I am a first generation farmer. I am no expert on anything. The first 3 years I've had livestock (sheep, cows, goats), my pasture was booming, just from broadcast seeding (orchard grass, clover, alfalfa, timothy). This year, I noticed that the grasses and legumes did not do so well. I started wondering why and my final conclusion was overgrazing. I do not do any rotational or mob grazing. I think that, with the introduction of cattle, the pasture started weakening because of the overgrazing, thus stunted a lot of growth. This is all my theory.

Now, let me get to my questions:
- has anyone used a seed drill?
- is a seed drill more effective for pastures?
- if not, what would you recommend? tilling? disc-ing? harrowing? broadcast over tilled soil?

I am interested in solutions, even if it takes quite a bit of work.

Please. If anyone has any insight or knowledge regarding all of this, let me know. Provide some recommendations.

PS
*** I am in the process of purchasing a seed drill
*** Are there any online websites that sell bulk pasture seed or bulk pasture seed mixes, tried and true?

Thank you all, stay blessed

I would start here.  https://bookstore.acresusa.com/products/grass-productivity?_pos=1&_sid=88e4944af&_ss=r

Andre Voisin, Grass Productivity

This book is a must have for any serious grazier, the introduction is by Alan Savory. Grass Productivity is a scientific look on the advantages of rotational grazing, pasture species diversity, stocking numbers and more.

Outside Pride has always treated me right. They have some seed packets, but mostly sell in pound plus quantities.

If continuous pasture, the species mix will gradually change over time. Overgrazing can speed that process.
What is your evidence for overgrazing? Is the forage eaten down to the ground? Does dirt show?

Thom Bri wrote:If continuous pasture, the species mix will gradually change over time. Overgrazing can speed that process.
What is your evidence for overgrazing? Is the forage eaten down to the ground? Does dirt show?

The pasture showed signs of stunted growth during the summer. Also, they have eaten to the ground where dirt is exposed.