Alfalfa is one of the most productive forage legumes grown in Kentucky. Traditionally, cutting it for hay has been the preferred method of harvest, but by following simple management practices it makes an excellent quality pasture. This is especially true in the fall because grazing also avoids the problem of slow hay curing due to low temperatures and high humidity.

All classes of livestock can benefit from alfalfa in the fall. Alfalfa makes excellent pasture for weaned calves. It can add weight to yearling cattle or increase cow condition prior to winter. Standing alfalfa also can serve as an excellent protein supplement for livestock grazing adjacent to crop residues. Most of the protein in alfalfa is derived from the leaves and managing to minimize leaf loss is essential to increase protein intake. Alfalfa productivity will influence the number of animals a given area will support.

Alfalfa Preparation for Fall/Winter Grazing

To help alfalfa survive the winter, allow plants to grow without cutting or grazing for at least six weeks prior to the first killing freeze (< 24°F). This rest period allows plants to store carbohydrates needed for winter survival and to develop new shoots in the spring. In Kentucky, alfalfa should not be grazed or harvested from mid-September until early November. Usually by early November, even if there is no killing freeze, the plants have entered winter dormancy and will not begin regrowth after harvest or grazing. Stands that have been adequately winterized typically are less susceptible to winter damage and the following year’s first growth will be more productive.

Grazing in Fall/Winter

Rotational grazing is essential to efficiently graze alfalfa and maximize stand life. There is flexibility in the length of a grazing period, but do not leave animals on a paddock for more than a week. Alfalfa should not be over-grazed due to the risk of damage to the crown and crown-buds. Move animals when the stubble height is grazed down 3 to 4 inches. Alfalfa can be grazed or harvested lower height during the growing season, but some stubble promotes winter survival especially during winters with excessive snow or ice. When rotationally grazing alfalfa, fencing doesn’t have to be complex. Simple low-cost electric fences that retain animals to one area are ideal. Properly managed grazing can have less impact on the plant than cutting for hay, because of the repeated wheel traffic during hay cutting, tedding, raking and baling.

Stand Decline

It is important to have a sacrifice area while grazing alfalfa. Especially during periods in the fall and winter when soil conditions are wet from rain or snow. Crown damage from foot traffic on wet soils leads to a disease called crown rot. Crown rot is the leading contributor to loss of alfalfa stands over the winter. In order to protect plant stands, producers should place animals in their sacrifice area or sacrifice paddock during periods with wet soil conditions.

Health Risk When Grazing Alfalfa

Bloat remains a potential problem when grazing alfalfa in the fall, especially during the first three to five days after alfalfa has been exposed to freezing temperatures. The risk of bloat is reduced substantially after a significant portion of the forage moisture is below 50% or the top half of the plant has dried down. When animals are first turned into alfalfa, several basic steps can be taken to reduce the potential for bloat. Start by providing products containing poloxalene, which are available in a small block form. The feeding rate of this supplement is one block to every five head of grazing cattle. Observe your stands before turning livestock into them to be sure that no immature alfalfa is present. Providing your animals with grass hay will further reduce the potential for block. Hay can be provided free of choice during the first two weeks of late fall/winter grazing. For more information and guidance, contact your local extension office.

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Fall
Extending the Grazing Season