Grazing cover crops is a proven strategy to get a head start on spring grazing and reduce winter hay feeding, but doing so in the fall isn’t always an option when planting dates depend on row-crop harvest. Aerial seeding approaches cover crop establishment from a different angle.
Caleb O’Neal with the University of Missouri Extension suggests planting and grazing cover crops is one way to maximize land use on the corn and soybean acres that cover a wide swath of the Show-Me State. The plant science specialist says cover crop forage also offers drought-stressed pastures much-needed rest after summer grazing, and it provides excellent forage quality for livestock during a time of year when other perennial cool-season stands have gone dormant or are being stockpiled for use later in the winter.
“While annual cover crop species are frequently planted for the benefits they provide to the soil, planting them also opens the door to outstanding opportunities for graziers who are willing to think outside the box,” O’Neal says.
Many farmers take advantage of early spring cover crop growth to kick off the grazing season, but they may not be available for fall and winter grazing if farmers wait to plant them after row-crop harvest. However, aerial seeding cover crops before corn and soybeans are harvested can jump-start germination and seedling development, which helps boost grazing potential.
“Modern technology like utility drones can help producers double-dip by establishing cover crops earlier in the season,” O’Neal states. “The magic happens when the cash crop is harvested and the dense canopy is removed, allowing sunlight to be captured by the already established, young cover crop below.”
Depending on how early row crops are combined — and with enough fall moisture — O’Neal says aerially seeded cover crops can be ready to graze by late October and last through November. He suggests planting a combination of species to ensure good establishment and to complement different forage growth characteristics.
For example, small-seeded brassicas like turnips and radishes are best suited for aerial seeding, but many of these species will winterkill. Moreover, O’Neal says spring oats can be a prolific fall forage option, but this species won’t survive the winter, either. Therefore, he recommends adding winterhardy small cereal grain cover crops like cereal rye, winter wheat, and triticale to the mix to ensure forage is available on both shoulders of the grazing season. Including legumes like crimson clover can enhance forage quality even further.
Although it may be too late to realize the time-saving benefits of aerially seeding cover crops on row-crop acres this year, O’Neal encourages farmers to plan ahead and consider doing so next fall. “When implemented correctly, grazing cover crops in the fall and spring is a win for the livestock, the land, and our bottom lines,” he concludes. “With the right forage species and adequate moisture, aerial seeding can help producers reduce feed costs, improve herd health, and get more value from every acre.”
