Belford Barley Seeds (Hordeum vulgare 'Belford') – Awnless Forage & Hay Barley, Tall Cool-Season Cereal Grain, Cover Crop for Erosion Control & Livestock Feed

Minimum: 300+ Seeds

Belford Barley does triple duty: produces abundant nutritious hay and forage for livestock, protects soil from erosion, and improves land fertility as a green manure cover crop. Released in 1943, this awnless six-rowed barley is a trusted workhorse on sustainable farms. Growing 42-48 inches tall with sturdy stems and smooth leaves, Belford is notably tall for forage harvest. The critical difference... complete absence of awns (spiky bristles)... makes it far more palatable to livestock; animals graze without mouth and eye injuries from needle-like awns. Spring or fall planted, Belford germinates rapidly in cool weather, providing early season grazing or cutting within weeks. The entire plant is harvested for hay, pasture integration, and erosion control on slopes. Performs exceptionally well in high-rainfall regions.

Who Grows Belford Barley Seeds?

Livestock farmers seeking nutritious economical hay and forage. Sustainable farmers building soil with cover crops. Grazing managers wanting early season feed. Homesteaders creating resilient food systems. Anyone managing disturbed land needing quick ground cover. Anyone understanding that the best crops feed both soil and animals.

What This Cool-Season Cereal Grain Actually Is

Hordeum vulgare 'Belford', a six-rowed awnless forage barley released 1943. Annual cool-season bunchgrass growing 42-48 inches tall. Hollow jointed stems with smooth tapered leaves. Seed heads develop on spike inflorescence, completely lacking long needle-like awns. Awnless character makes foliage far more palatable to livestock. Early maturing variety. Entire plant harvested for forage. Produces abundant biomass for hay, pasture, or green manure. Tolerates poor and marginal soils. Performs well in high-rainfall areas.

In the Field, Pasture & Herd

• Hay Production: Tall plant harvested at soft dough stage for quality and yield.
• Livestock Forage: Direct grazing or cut-and-carry. Awnless ensures livestock safety.
• Pasture Extension: Early spring growth feeds animals when perennials not productive.
• Cover Crop: Rapid establishment protects soil, suppresses weeds, breaks compaction.
• Erosion Control: Tall dense growth stabilizes slopes and disturbed sites.
• Green Manure: Incorporation adds organic matter, improves soil fertility.
• Double Cropping: Early maturity allows secondary crop after harvest.

Growing Belford Barley Seeds

• Season: Cool-season grain. Spring or fall planting.
• Timing: Spring: sow as soil workable. Fall: sow 6-8 weeks before freeze.
• Temperature: Germinates 40-50°F. Tolerates cold, establishes quickly.
• Soil: Adaptable. Tolerates poor soils, compaction, variable moisture.
• Sunlight: Full sun optimal. Tolerates part shade.
• Moisture: Prefers adequate water. Performs well in high-rainfall areas.
• Planting Rate: 100-120 lbs per acre.
• Planting Depth: 1-1.5 inches.
• Growth: Rapid. Ready for grazing at 11-15 inches tall.
• Hay Harvest: Cut at early boot or soft dough stage.
• Forage Yield: Typical 4+ tons/acre dry hay.
• Maturity: 70-90 days, early maturing.
• Maintenance: Minimal. Requires adequate moisture.

Before You Close This Page

Cool-season awnless barley, 42-48 inches tall. Awnless ensures livestock safety and palatability. Rapid spring/fall establishment. Entire plant harvested for hay and forage. Early maturing, 70-90 days. Performs well in high rainfall. Cover crop and erosion control. Green manure for soil improvement. Livestock forage and hay production. Economical, low-input. Double cropping potential. The awnless grain that feeds livestock and soil.