Fall grazing can be one of the most underused feed resources on a farm.
In this episode of Under the Covers, Bill and James talk through how they use cover crops, corn stalks, and other forages to keep cattle grazing later into the year — and what actually makes those systems work.
They get into rye versus wheat for grazing, why cattle may prefer wheat even when rye produces more biomass, and when an oat-and-brassica mix makes sense for fall-only grazing. They also discuss why grazing mixes are often seeded heavier than minimum conservation rates when the goal is producing more feed.
From corn stalks to sorghum sudangrass, cowpeas, millets, turnips, and other cover crops, the guys share strategies for stretching the grazing season while managing frost risk, fencing, water, muddy traffic areas, and the occasional cattle-related headache.
They also talk about some of the tradeoffs they’ve seen, including healthier cattle and more movement in the field — but potentially lower dressing percentages compared with cattle finished in a lot.
And before they get too serious, they check the podcast listener map, discover Under the Covers has somehow reached several countries around the world, and offer a t-shirt to whoever can prove they’re listening from the farthest point away from Jefferson, Iowa.
