COLBY, Kan. – Forage and cattle management considerations for this fall and into the next year will be the emphasis of a series of meetings planned across the state to help producers make decisions given…
Alicia Boor: Strategies for fall forage
Alicia Boor
K-State Research and Extension
Enhanced forage allowance in late fall and early winter improves the forage budget in forage-based livestock systems. Spring oats and turnips can be an alternative, especially when farmers want to extend the grazing period.
Most producers plant spring oats in spring. However, spring oats can be planted in late summer as well for fall and early winter grazing. Spring oats will die out after the first hard freeze in the mid 20’s. Oats are a high-quality forage, almost as good as wheat. Since oats do not have awns, cattle can graze them easily.