September may signal the approach of cooler weather, but it does not mean the grazing season is ending. In some regions, the most valuable forage growth of the year may still be ahead. With cooler nights, shorter days, and adequate soil moisture, cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and orchardgrass often begin growing more actively.
Of course, depending on where you are located in Canada, while these two grasses tolerate moderate winters, severe cold or lack of snow cover in parts of the Prairies can cause winterkill. Farmers often select specific cold-hardy varieties or alternative grasses like meadow fescue or timothy depending on location.
No matter what you may have as cool-season forage and pasture grasses, good grazing management during this period focuses on making the most of available forage resources. Instead of grazing every pasture as soon as new growth appears, producers can allow selected fields to rest and build forage for future use. This practice helps create a reserve of feed that can be used later in the fall and winter.
Alternative forage sources play an important role in this strategy. Annual forages, hay aftermath, and crop residues can provide grazing opportunities while permanent pastures recover and grow. Every additional day livestock spend grazing these resources allows valuable pasture forage to continue accumulating.
Tall fescue is especially useful for stockpiling because it maintains good quality as it grows and enters dormancy. Rather than harvesting and storing forage mechanically, producers can leave it in the field and allow livestock to graze it later. This approach can help lower feeding and labour costs.
Soil moisture, fertility, and pasture conditions all influence how much forage accumulates before winter. Grass-dominant fields with good growing conditions may benefit from a modest nitrogen application. However, fields with healthy legume populations often receive enough nitrogen naturally and may not require additional fertilizer.
Selecting the right paddocks for stockpiling is also important. Fields with strong grass stands, good fertility, reliable water access, and convenient winter access are often the best candidates.
While weather conditions remain uncertain, producers can take advantage of current opportunities by managing forage carefully. Grazing crop residue, annuals, and hay aftermath while allowing selected pastures to rest can help extend grazing well beyond the growing season.
The goal is not to extend plant growth itself but to extend how long that growth feeds livestock. Smart planning today can provide more grazing days tomorrow and reduce the need for stored feed during winter.