During the Winter months, warm season perennial forage species like bahiagrass and bermudagrass provide limited grazing for livestock producers. The establishment of cool season forage plots can help provide forage options and reduce hay and supplement costs. There are many different cool season forage options available, including a list of legumes that can help fix Nitrogen and add it back to the soil. For a list of recommended varieties see EDIS document #SS-AGR-84. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/aa266.

Perennial pastures can be overseeded with cool season forages but germination rates are increased when seeds are drilled into the soil (Figure 1).

Performance is also increased if forages are planted on fertile row crop land. For planting dates, seeding rates and a list of best management practices for establishing cool season forages see EDIS document #SS-AGR-43. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag146

0