Authors: Mark Sulc, Dianne Shoemaker, Bill Weiss, Sarah Noggle
With the forage shortage we are experiencing, below are listed several excellent options to plant now and into early September for grazing in late autumn into early winter.
For more information on establishment details and other agronomic guidelines and characteristics, click HERE.
Species |
Comments |
Corn plants |
High yield potential if planted by July 15. |
Sorghum-sudangrass Sudangrass |
Plant by mid-July. |
Millets |
Plant by mid-July. |
Oat or Spring triticale |
Plant from last week of July to mid-September. |
Oat or Spring triticale plus winter cereals |
Plant from last week of July to mid-September. |
Italian ryegrass |
Plant from last week of July to mid-September; earlier planting dates provide more fall yield. |
Turnip |
Plant by the first week of August for grazing 80 to 90 days later. |
Note: The forage grass options all require adequate nitrogen to maximize yield potential, either as fertilizer or manure (about 50-60 lbs of actual available nitrogen per acre). Check any potential herbicide restrictions from the previously planted crop. Work with your nutritionist to incorporate these alternative forages into properly balanced rations.
Keep in mind that other forage options exist to increase the supply of grazed forage, including grazing corn residues where available and, where possible, applying nitrogen (50-60 lbs N/acre) in early August on pastures and stockpiling growth for late autumn and winter grazing.
For more detailed information about each of these options, refer to this Fact Sheet.
Consult the Ohio Agronomy Guide for establishment and management details, available HERE.