By Blake Jackson
Fall provides one of the best windows to establish or renovate cool-season forages such as tall fescue, orchardgrass, and winter annuals like oats, rye, triticale, wheat, and brassicas.
With strong cattle markets and healthier cash flow this year, now is a strategic time to reinvest in forage systems, according to University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist Tim Schnakenberg.
Start by scouting pastures and hay fields for signs of stress or poor performance. Drought injury, overgrazing, weed infestations, or low species diversity may signal the need for renovation.
Excessive amounts of Kentucky bluegrass, Johnson grass, or brush also indicate declining productivity. Soil fertility and drainage should be assessed as part of the evaluation.
No-till seeding is often the most effective method since it conserves soil moisture, reduces erosion, and lowers costs. Farmers using rented drills should inspect, clean, and practice operating the equipment to ensure proper seed delivery and calibration.
Mind the Weather and Timing
Weather remains a critical factor, especially with fall droughts. Cool-season grasses tolerate later planting, but legumes such as clover and alfalfa must reach the third trifoliate stage before frost arrives. Producers should avoid planting just before a light rain unless significant follow-up moisture is expected.
Most cool-season perennials should be seeded a quarter to half an inch deep. Planting too deep delays emergence, especially in dry soils. Checking seed placement regularly and using GPS or cross-seeding patterns helps reduce skips.
Drone seeding can be useful for difficult areas, while traditional broadcasting requires soil disturbance or livestock trampling to ensure seed-to-soil contact.
Cover crops like oats or rye may protect seedlings, but seeding rates must be conservative to avoid competition with permanent forages.
Recommended Planting Schedule
- Late August: Oats and brassicas
- Early September: Legumes
- Mid-to-late September: Small grains for spring forage
For more detailed planning, producers are encouraged to consult MU Extension’s Cool Season Pasture Establishment Planning Budget or their local agronomy specialist.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Hay & Forage