The decision to establish a perennial forage stand raises a number of questions including, "What forage species and variety should I seed?" "What is the proper seeding rate?" "Do I use a cover crop?" and one of the more common questions, "When is the best time of year to seed a forage stand and have guaranteed success?" Many producers consider fall seeding as a viable option for establishing a forage stand.
The key to a choosing a seeding date is sowing forages to coincide with moisture and weather conditions that will ensure germination and establishment. (Sounds like an easy enough task!) Spring seeding of forages generally provides good moisture conditions, however, for some producers a fall seeding date may present several advantages for their operation. A fall seeding date may allow for more time to concentrate on the task at hand, including proper calibration of equipment and seedbed preparation, at a time when other fieldwork has been completed. In some areas, land may not be accessible in the spring due to flooding or soil types that remain wet into the summer months.
Fall seeding dates may vary from year to year depending again upon moisture and the weather. Under good growing conditions, there may be an opportunity in some years to seed forage crops in the early fall. Success will depend upon rapid establishment of seedlings and development to the stage where they are able to survive the winter. Grasses are better able to withstand winter conditions than seedling legumes, therefore it is recommended that alfalfa be sown no later than mid-August. In the Brown soil zone, grasses may be sown as late as mid-September.
Late fall seeding (from October 15 until freeze-up) targets a window of opportunity prior to freeze-up while late enough to prevent germination from occurring until the following spring. The main advantage to choosing a late fall seeding date is the benefit of early spring soil moisture conditions from snow melt. Concerns with warm weather after seeding include the potential for seed germination and damage to the seed as temperatures fluctuate.
No matter what time of year a forage stand is sown, successful establishment depends upon a number of variables including the use of quality seed, proper seeding depth and rates, and good weed control. A firm seedbed will allow for good seed to soil contact and result in rapid germination of the forage seeds. Clean, unworked stubble provides a good seedbed, while often providing improved moisture conditions for seeding success. Agronomic practices that encourage soil moisture conservation, improved soil fertility and health, and prevention of soil erosion will all assist in getting you closer to your goal of a well established forage stand.
Seed drills - Direct seeding forages into standing stubble
Forages1 - Successful forage stand establishment