Mid- and late August is a good time for producers to plan ahead for winter forages.
Since most fall, winter and spring forages perform best when planted in late September through early October, producers should now be choosing forages, pricing, purchasing or reserving seed in preparation of when and where to plant.
Small grains, such as oats, small grain rye and wheat perform best in specific regions that provide preferred soil makeups, temperatures and moisture levels. They produce forage in the fall and early winter.
Small grains rye is adapted to a wide variety of soil types and more productive than other small grains.
Oats are the least cold tolerant and should be planted in Central and southern portions of the state south of Interstate 20. Wheat is better adapted to colder temperatures and performs well north of I-20.
Ryegrass, which produces in the spring, can be planted later than other forages, but delays can mean decreased yields and impact availability for grazing. The rainfall needs of ryegrass limit the majority of production to portions of the state east of I-35.
Cool-season legumes also produce forage in the spring. Talk to a local AgriLife Extension agent or forage specialist about legumes because they are site specific and require a soil pH of at least six.
Some producers choose legumes to recycle nitrogen via grazing or by tilling the cover crop into the soil.
