Fall is a vital season for managing forage crops in Illinois. The choices producers make now can influence how well their fields endure the winter and how much feed will be available for livestock next year. Proper fall management helps protect soil, improve plant health, and prepare strong stands for the future. Forage crops like alfalfa, clovers, and cool-season grasses need time in the fall to store energy in their roots. This stored energy helps them survive cold weather and regrow strongly in spring. At the same time, fall is an ideal time to establish new forage crops or plant winter annuals for early spring grazing. This blog will cover how to terminate existing forage stands and how to seed new forages before winter. Planning ahead can reduce risks like winterkill and poor establishment, while maximizing forage acres.
Terminating Existing Stands
Before planting new forages, producers need to deal with what is already in the field. Old forage stands or cover crops can compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight, hindering the growth of new seedlings. Terminating these plants in the fall provides a clean start for the next year. But why terminate in the fall? Fall is the optimal time to remove old stands because plants transfer energy to their roots, making herbicides more effective. It also gives producers time to prepare a good seedbed before winter.
Two effective methods for terminating existing stands are chemical and mechanical approaches. Herbicide application is the most common method. Glyphosate works well on grasses, while products like 2,4-D or dicamba helps control broadleaf plants like alfalfa or clover. Producers can also use tillage, but this raises the risk of erosion and might not suit every system. Another key factor is timing. Terminating at the wrong time can cause issues when establishing the new stand. If using herbicides, spray while plants are still green and actively growing. For alfalfa or mixed stands, apply herbicides at least a week before tillage or planting new seed. Proper termination now paves the way for strong forage growth and reduces weed pressure in the spring.
Fall Cutting and Grazing
Managing when and how to cut or graze forages in the fall is just as important as planting. For perennial forages like alfalfa and cool-season grasses, fall is the time when plants store energy in their roots to survive the winter. Cutting during this critical period can weaken plants and increase the risk of winterkill. The safest approach is to avoid cutting during the four to six weeks before the first killing frost. This rest period allows plants to build up carbohydrate reserves for winter survival and strong spring growth. If a fall cutting is necessary, there are two safer options. The first is an early cut in early September, giving plants enough time to regrow before frost. The second is a late cut after a killing frost, when temperatures drop to about 24 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. At that point, plants will not regrow, so cutting will not drain their energy reserves. Cutting between these two windows is risky and can shorten the life of your stand.
Grazing management follows the same principle. Ohio State University Extension reminds producers to avoid overgrazing in the fall. This is because removing too much leaf material decreases the plant’s ability to store energy. Always leave at least three to four inches of stubble to protect the crown and help the plant survive the winter. Overgrazing not only weakens plants but also increases the risk of soil compaction, which can harm root growth and reduce forage production next year.
Fall Seeding
Fall is an ideal time to establish new forage crops, but success hinges on proper timing and preparation. In central Illinois, aim to plant six to eight weeks before the first killing frost, which typically occurs from late August through mid-September. Planting early allows seedlings to develop strong roots and store energy before winter sets in. Waiting too long can lead to weak plants that are more prone to winterkill. Choosing the right species depends on the producer’s goals. For a long-term stand, options include alfalfa, red clover, orchard grass, and tall fescue. These perennials require a firm, weed-free seedbed and should be planted shallow—about a quarter inch for small seeds like alfalfa and up to a half inch for grasses. If a fall forage is desired, oats or brassicas such as turnips and radishes can provide grazing before winter, though they will not survive the cold. For early spring forage, winter annuals like cereal rye or triticale are excellent choices because they grow quickly once temperatures warm.
Soil fertility is just as crucial as timing. For legumes like alfalfa, soil pH should be between 6.8 and 7.0. If needed, apply lime before planting since it takes time to adjust the soil pH. Phosphorus and potassium should be added based on soil test results, as these nutrients are vital for root development and winter resilience. According to Michigan State University Extension, potassium especially helps plants withstand winter injury, as plants in fields with lower potassium levels can be more susceptible to winter kill. Nitrogen is not needed for legumes, but grass-only stands should receive 40 to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre during establishment. For legumes, make sure to use the correct Rhizobium inoculant to promote effective nitrogen fixation. Lastly, pay close attention to seeding rates and depth. Chapter 6 of the Illinois Agronomy Handbook lists the recommendations for different seeding rates based on different conditions and regions in Illinois. In central Illinois, the recommended seeding rate for alfalfa is 12-15 pounds of live seed per acre, but this can vary depending on whether it is planted with other crops. For example, if combined with Timothy, the recommended rate is 8-10 pounds per acre for both. Ensuring good seed-to-soil contact is essential, so verify that the seedbed is firm and moisture levels are adequate.
Fall is a season of opportunity for forage management. The steps taken now—whether it is terminating old stands, planting new forages, or managing cutting and grazing—will pay off next spring. Good planning helps protect soil, improve plant health, and ensure there is enough forage for livestock. Remember the basics: terminate existing stands early, plant new forages on time, and give fields the rest they need before winter. Pay attention to soil fertility and pH, and do not overlook weed control during this window. These practices may seem small, but they make a big difference in stand survival and productivity.
For additional reading, visit the following resources:
- Fall forage management for hay and pasture (Michigan State University Extension, 2008)
- Fall forage management tips (Ohio State University Extension, 2020)
- Fall seeding grasses (University of Wisconsin Extension)
- Illinois Agronomy Handbook, Chapter 6, Hay and Pasture
- Pasture and forage minute: Fall planting alfalfa and winter annual forages (University of Nebraska Extension, 2024)