While we are still just in late winter, it is never too early to start thinking about the coming spring and summer’s grazing and forage plans. Last fall and this winter has been dry, leaving most parts of the state in some level of drought. While we do not know for certain how much moisture lies ahead, long-term forecasts into this spring and summer suggest the possibility of drier than normal conditions.

With the possibility of droughty conditions for the coming season, an important first step is to develop or adjust a good forage and grazing drought plan for your operation. Some components of this might include things like stocking rates, turnout dates to summer pastures, purchasing any supplemental hay or feed, securing additional pasture, fertilizer decisions on introduced grass pastures, or seeding of any annual forages.

For spring or cool-season annual forages, the recommended planting period of late March to early April will be here soon. Forages would include things like oats, spring barley, spring triticale and field peas. With that planting date, these would provide grazing beginning in late May through early July.