What does stockpiling forage mean?
Stockpiling is letting forage grow for a period, then grazing it later in the year when growth has slowed or stopped. Instead of harvesting and storing the feed, animals harvest it where it stands. People use it to extend the grazing season into fall, winter or a dry stretch.
It works best with plants that hold quality after growth stops, and in climates where snow, ice or rain does not ruin the standing feed. Local conditions decide a great deal, so ask what neighbors do.
Which plants stockpile well?
Some forages keep their feed value better than others once they stop growing, and species differ in how they handle frost and weathering. Tall, mature plants can lose quality quickly, while certain grasses hold up better. Your extension office or forage specialist can recommend species proven in your area.
If you have mixed pasture, learn what is in it. Stockpiling a field full of low-value weeds only creates a field of poor feed.
Stand density, weed content and the age of the stand all affect how well a field stockpiles. A thick, healthy stand is far more useful than a thin one, so stockpiling often works best after pasture renovation or in fields you have managed well for several years.
How do you plan the growth period?
Pick the fields you will stockpile ahead of time and take animals off them at the date your local advisor recommends. That date depends on your climate and plant species. Some growers also apply fertilizer to boost growth, but amounts should come from a soil test and local advice, not a rule of thumb.
Think about field choice. Well-drained fields with good stands near water and shelter are easier to graze in bad weather. Remote or boggy fields can turn into mud pits when animals are turned in during wet weather.
- Choose fields with a healthy stand
- Pick fields you can reach in bad weather
- Set an end date for earlier grazing
How should you graze stockpiled feed?
Animals tend to trample and waste standing feed if given the whole field at once. Many growers use temporary fence to offer a limited strip at a time, often called strip grazing, and move it forward regularly. This makes the feed last longer and cuts waste.
Watch the animals' body condition. Standing forage may not meet every animal's needs, especially for those that are growing, pregnant or nursing. A forage test and your veterinarian or livestock specialist can tell you whether supplements are needed.
What are the risks?
Weather is the main risk. Heavy snow, ice or a wet fall can make stockpiled feed hard to reach or ruin its quality. Keep hay or another backup on hand so animals are never short of food.
Plant safety also matters. Certain frosted forages can cause problems in some animals, and moldy or weathered feed carries its own risks. Ask your veterinarian or extension office which concerns apply to your species and region.
Record what happened. Note when you stopped grazing, what the weather did, how long the feed lasted and how the animals looked. A single season's notes will make next year's plan far more reliable.
- Keep a backup hay supply
- Ask about frost-related plant risks
- Check water sources do not freeze
Is it right for your farm?
Stockpiling suits some farms and not others. It asks for planning, fence and good pasture, and it fits best when you can leave fields ungrazed during part of the growing season. Weigh the work saved against the risk on your own land.
Start small. Try one field one year, keep notes on how it went, and adjust. Your records will tell you more about your farm than any guide can.
How do you know if the feed is good enough?
You cannot judge feed value by looking at it. Green color and height are poor guides, and weathered stockpiled forage can be lower in nutrients than it appears. A forage test through a certified lab, with help from your extension office to read the results, shows what animals will actually get.
Compare the results with the needs of your animals at their stage of life. Growing animals, pregnant females and those nursing young need more from their feed than animals simply maintaining. Your veterinarian or a livestock specialist can help you decide what to supplement and when.
- Send a forage sample to a lab
- Ask an expert to interpret the results
- Match feed to the animals' stage of life
Key takeaways
- Stockpiling saves growth for grazing later when growth slows.
- Pick fields with healthy stands, good drainage and access.
- Strip grazing reduces waste.
- Always keep backup feed in case weather blocks access.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.