Fall can be the ideal time to plant cool-season forages. It may not be the highest priority during the hottest days of summer, but planning ahead generally pays dividends. Ben Franklin is reported to have said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Decisions reached ahead of time also reduce the “anxiety quotient” that may result from failing to plan. Just like planning a road trip, knowing where you are and where you want to be will determine the route.
Assessing your situation includes evaluating current and projected feed supply, grazing and stored, as well as current and projected animal needs. Record prices for beef should be considered when planning marketing and retention of livestock. Is this the year to retain more heifers or sell females at high prices? How will that influence feed requirements?
One observation is the quantity of hay harvested during July. Abundant spring moisture delayed harvest of many hayfields. July harvests are often second cuttings; this year they may have been first cutting. High yields do not ensure high nutritional value. Much or that hay may be very fibrous, limiting both intake and digestibility. A small investment in hay analysis may be the best insurance against limiting nutritional status of livestock this winter.
If pasture is currently abundant in response to moisture, managing residue before planting may be a concern. It may be advantageous to schedule grazing ahead of a planting sequence, making some plantings as early as possible and delaying others.
If preparation has been made to renovate a perennial pasture (such as replacing toxic tall fescue), by eliminating existing vegetation and preventing seed production of undesirable plants, taking the final steps to control escapes and weeds should be scheduled and completed. Placing orders for replacement seed should be completed in advance of projected planting dates.
Will annual plantings be needed to supplement fall grazing or can perennial pastures be stockpiled to provide sufficient feed for the late fall and early winter? Cool-season perennial grass pastures will benefit from fall fertility applications and stockpiling. Overseeded winter annuals will compete for resources, especially in the spring and the perennial stand may suffer.
Overseeded annuals are a great fit on warm-season pasture or cropland. Fall planted spring oats may provide the highest early growth if moisture is adequate. However, spring oats are most susceptible to freeze damage and winter kill. One alternative would be to use a product that contains both spring oats and annual ryegrass. With good fall moisture the oats could provide fall production and annual ryegrass is not likely to winterkill and will provide substantial spring growth. A mixture of triticale and annual ryegrass would not be expected to yield as well in the fall, but would provide excellent insurance against a cold winter and provide excellent growth in early spring into early summer.
A final option might be a diverse mixture containing multiple species of grasses, legumes and broadleaf forbs. The diversity will provide excellent nutrition for grazing as well as making a contribution to soil biology and soil health.
Unless a firm and open seedbed is prepared by tillage or very close grazing, most winter annuals are best planted with a drill rather than broadcasting. No-till drills may be leased from many conservation districts, but getting on the scheduled waiting list may be an essential step in preparation for planting.