inter grazing long into the sea
son is a goal for all cattle producers.
But a few things need to line up cor
rectly for this to meet the nutritional
needs of your cow herd. Obvious
ly, the first obstacle is the weather.
There will be years when we get too
much moisture before the ground
freezes, and years when crusted
snow prevents cattle from grazing
through it. But for the most part, in
most years, we can graze for at least
some portion of the winter. We just
need to plan for it.
UNDERSTAND YOUR PASTURE
FOR STOCKPILE GRAZING
Functional forage and pasture.
contributed article by Justin Fruechte, Product Expert - Ag
Millborn, Brookings, S.D.
millbornseeds.com
Seeds in Season
COOL-SEASON GRASSES
Stockpiling your existing pe
rennial pasture allows you to save
on labor, reduce feed costs, and
enhance soil quality. The species
composition of your pasture will
determine how best to manage
that stockpiling. Tall fescue is a
cool-season grass commonly found
in the central part of the nation and
is routinely grazed through the
winter by ranchers. This grass per
sists very well throughout the year,
allowing it to be grazed or hayed
multiple times before the fall re
growth is reserved for winter.
Other cool-season grasses such
as brome, orchardgrass, and the
wheatgrasses can also be used this
way. However, it is important that
the fall regrowth on these species
is strong before stockpiling begins.
These grasses do not have the same
persistence, and their spring growth
tends to decline more quickly in
palatability and quality.
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January 2026 | THE STOCKMAN AG-EXTRA