Compared to other provinces, Bukovina was notable for an inverse ratio between cultivated and grassy areas. A large portion of the best soil was used as pasture, without any efforts to improve or maintain valuable grass species. Extensive areas were overgrown with weeds such as the spiny cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum) or the nodding thistle (Carduus nutans), which were inedible for animals. Only partially did large landowners and German colonists follow the example of the Rădăuți Economic Directorate, which, due to the stud farm, was concerned with improving the composition of the meadows under its administration (by introducing clover, alfalfa, and other forage plants). Overall, yields were low, a significant portion of the grass was destroyed through continuous grazing, and harvesting hay was difficult due to the shortage of labor.
