Frost-seeded perennial forages proved their worth in last year’s drought
Welcome to the exciting grazing season ahead! As we gear up for the lush pastures of May, I am making sure our grazing rotations are finely tuned for optimal performance. With a 45-day first rotation, followed by 60- to 75-day rotations throughout the summer and into fall, we aim to maximize our forage utilization and maintain the health of our pastures.
This plan was challenging to execute during the 2023 grazing season. A severe drought gripped southwest Wisconsin — the worst since 1984 — and it became evident how crucial it is to have a diverse mix of perennial crops. This reflection serves as a reminder of the resilience required in our grazing systems.
With less than an inch of rain from May 15th to July 15th, and minimal rainfall until mid-September, our cool-season grasses lay dormant for an extended period. However, amidst these challenges, certain perennial species proved their worth.
Alfalfa emerged as a star performer, thanks to its deep taproot system. Despite its dormancy in the preceding years, frost-seeding alfalfa with red clover showcased its resilience and productivity. Red clover dominated initially, providing essential forage before giving way to alfalfa in the third year. Throughout the drought, alfalfa remained resilient, continuously producing valuable forage even under grazing pressure.
Additionally, native warm-season grasses like switchgrass emerged as unexpected heroes. Initially planted for edge and bird habitat rather than forage, switchgrass demonstrated remarkable resilience and productivity during the drought. While not traditionally grazed, its ability to bounce back under adverse conditions was a pleasant surprise.
Incorporating native pollinator blends also proved to be a beneficial move, offering a safety net during the drought. Although expensive to establish, these blends provided crucial grazing days, helping us maintain our targeted rotation schedule. I found it essential to manage these areas intensively in the first two years, including mowing to reduce competition with cool-season grasses.
I have found success in frost seeding switchgrass. While native pollinator blends may not be ideal for frost seeding due to cost, their value as a grazing resource was unexpected. Swift rotation through these areas, particularly if bluestem is present, is crucial to preserve their integrity. I found the cattle selecting for the warm-season grasses and leaving the flowering forbs alone.
Looking forward to the 2024 grazing season, we’re actively working to rebuild our herd after reducing it during the drought. As we navigate the challenges and joys of cattle procurement this spring, we remain optimistic for a successful growing season ahead.
Here’s to abundant rain and thriving pastures throughout the year!
