05/31/2026
Friend or Foe? ID’ing Forages in our Pastures.
By Amanda McCoy, AAHC Founder with support from AAHC Member Amy Trauger
A few weeks ago, UGA Professor Amy Trauger and her daughter, Sitara, visited the AAHC office to collect soil samples for an upcoming study on pastures (hopefully, more on that soon!). While they were here, Amy was kind enough to analyze some plant samples to help me better understand exactly what my horses are grazing.
And boy howdy, was I in for a shock regarding Little Barley.
All my life, I have mistaken it for Foxtail—that noxious grass with seed heads that target a horse’s gums, nostrils, and eyes. I know so many people who have sprayed and sprayed to eradicate little barley thinking it is foxtail, causing untold damage to our ecosystem in the process.
Little Barley: A Tool for the Rotational Manager
It turns out that Little Barley is a native winter annual that can be a highly nutritious addition to a winter grazing pasture - think about as similar to annual rye that we often plant. However, little barley is not a "plant it and forget it" forage. It requires a well-balanced, rotational management style to be an asset rather than a nuisance.
Using native grasses effectively requires a different mindset. Here is how Little Barley fits into a professional rotation:
The Winter Boost: While your Fescue is slow, Little Barley provides "free" high-quality calories. Let your horses graze it while it’s green and leafy.
When to Stop Grazing it: As part of a rotational system, you have to know when to move your horses off. Once those seed heads start to dry and turn "pokey" in late spring, rotate your herd to a different paddock.
The Ecosystem Maintenance: Once the horses are moved, allow the seed heads to develop then bush-hog the pasture. This drops the seeds back into the soil for next winter.
Why the Distinction Matters
The Look: Both have bristly seed heads, but Little Barley is a winter annual that dies back naturally once our summer heat arrives.
The Risk: Foxtail is a nightmare due to microscopic barbs; Little Barley is far less aggressive but still requires a manager who knows when to mow.
The Lesson: Proper identification saves you stress, money, and unnecessary herbicide.
Pro-Tip: If you aren't sure what's growing in your pasture, grab a sample and head to your local Extension office. Identifying your "volunteers" is the first step toward a healthier, more diverse native pasture.
At AAHC, we advocate for native flora. Native grasses are more drought-resistant and offer a wider variety of nutrients for our horses, but it does require an observant, active management style. We aren't just "horse owners"—we are land stewards. Let’s build better ecosystems.
