What are forage crops?
Forage crops are plants grown to feed grazing animals or to be cut for hay or silage. They include perennial grasses, legumes like clover and alfalfa, annual grasses, and mixes. The right choice depends on your livestock, soil, rainfall, and how you plan to use the field.
Different animals have different needs, and some forages are unsafe for certain species. Ask your extension office or veterinarian before choosing.
Keep a list of what grows in each field and what the animals eat. Records of species and growth stages help you decide when to graze, cut, or reseed.
- Perennial grasses for long-lived pasture
- Legumes for protein and nitrogen
- Annuals for quick gap filling
- Mixes for resilience
How do I choose forages for my farm?
Match species to soil drainage, fertility, pH, and rainfall. A soil test is the first step. Some forages thrive in wet ground, while others need good drainage and fertility. Local trials and your extension office can narrow your options.
Think about the season. Cool season and warm season grasses grow at different times, and a mix can spread forage across the year.
Ask neighbors with similar land which forage mixes have lasted and which failed. A mix that works on one soil type may disappear on another.
How do I establish a stand?
A good seedbed, correct seeding date, and proper depth matter. Many forage seeds are small and need shallow planting with good soil contact. No-till drilling is common where erosion is a concern. Fertility and lime applications should follow soil test advice.
New stands are fragile. Keep animals off until plants are well established, and control weeds as your extension office advises.
Weeds and old sod can compete with new seedlings. Ask your extension office about timing of control and about herbicide labels if you consider them, and read carefully for grazing restrictions.
How should I graze or cut?
Rest and recovery drive production. Moving animals before plants are grazed too short, and letting pasture regrow before grazing again, keeps stands healthy. Overgrazing weakens plants and invites weeds. Rotational grazing with fencing and water in each paddock is one common way to manage this.
For hay, timing of cutting affects quality. Earlier cuts usually have higher feed value, while later cuts have more yield and less quality. Weather often decides the schedule.
Cold nights and frost can change feed safety in some forages, so check local guidance on when to turn animals in after the first hard frost.
- Move animals before plants are grazed too short
- Allow rest for regrowth
- Provide water in every paddock
- Cut hay at the stage that matches your goals
What about hay quality and storage?
Hay must be dry enough before baling, since wet hay can mold and can heat and even catch fire in storage. Ask your extension office how to test moisture and what is safe. Store hay under cover and away from buildings when possible.
Moldy hay can harm animals, and some weeds in hay are toxic. Test hay for nutrients if you buy or sell it, and consult your veterinarian or extension office about feeding.
Keep hay dry and off the ground on pallets or a gravel pad. Even covered hay can mold at the bottom when it sits on damp soil.
What problems should I watch for?
Poisonous plants, weeds, and some forage conditions can harm livestock. Examples are bloat risk on lush legumes and toxins in certain stressed or infected grasses. Learn what grows in your fields and ask your extension office or veterinarian about risks for your animals.
Drought, flooding, and compaction also harm stands. Plan for dry spells with extra feed and flexible stocking.
Learn the toxic plants in your area from your extension office, and walk pastures each spring to remove them before animals graze.
How do I plan long term?
Keep records of fields, seeding, fertilizing, grazing dates, and hay yields. Soil test every few years. Work with your local NRCS office on grazing plans and ask about conservation programs.
Forage management improves slowly. Small, steady changes add up to healthier pasture and healthier animals.
Share fence, water, and equipment costs with neighbors when it makes sense, and ask NRCS about conservation programs for grazing systems and water development.
- Soil test every few years
- Keep grazing records
- Ask NRCS about grazing plans
Key takeaways
- Choose forages by animal, soil, and climate.
- Establish stands carefully and protect new seedings.
- Rest and rotation keep pasture productive.
- Make dry, clean hay and know your local toxic plants.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.