Of all the options available, oats probably is the only one that might produce enough growth yet this fall to pay for its planting. Since turnip seed is relatively inexpensive, it also might be an option if we have a warm fall, but don't count on it.
Instead of trying to save hay by growing some fall pasture, most of you are likely to save more hay by planting winter rye, triticale or wheat for early spring pasture. Depending on the number of acres you plant and what other spring grazing options you have, these winter small grains should help eliminate two to six weeks of hay feeding this winter. As an added benefit, they also get cows and new-born calves out onto high quality pasture when their nutritional requirements are high enough to make good use of fresh pasture.
If you want to try something different, plant a mix of thirty pounds of oats with seventy-five pounds of winter rye. This mix should give you some fall grazing plus good spring forage as well.
Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist
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