As we wrap up fall and look toward winter, it’s worth taking a step back and asking yourself: how could I have better explored my fall forage growing opportunities this year? But forget your livestock hat for a moment. Before being a cattle producer, we need to master the art of growing forage. And here in Tennessee, we have a unique advantage: our climate allows us to grow forage longer than our livestock friends in northern states, giving us more options to extend grazing and reduce feed costs.

Were you able to dedicate a few acres this fall to stockpile fescue, gaining extra weeks of grazing before heading into the hay season? If so, you might recall that we highlighted last month the potential benefits of using polywire or temporary fencing. Yes, it takes time to set up, but the payoff can be significant. By carefully managing grazing with smaller paddocks, you can stretch your stockpiled forage, reduce trampling losses, and ultimately cut hay feeding costs.

Another strategy to explore is incorporating annual cool-season forages such as annual ryegrass, wheat, or cereal rye. These crops can make a difference in your fall and early spring forage supply. They grow quickly, provide high-quality grazing, and can reduce the need to rely solely on tall fescue right after it begins greening in the spring. By planting these annuals, you’re not just filling a short-term gap, you’re strategically extending your grazing season, improving animal nutrition, and preserving your hay reserves for when they are truly needed.

Annual cool-season forages offer more than just yield, they bring exceptional nutritive value. Well-managed stands can support livestock during the most limited forage months, maintaining animal performance and reducing the economic stress of feeding hay during the winter. From a forage perspective, thinking ahead and planning these annual or stockpiled options can make the difference between a costly winter and a more efficient, profitable operation.

As we move into the final months of the year, consider reflecting on your fall forage management. What worked? What could be improved? Where could you allocate a few acres to stockpile or plant annuals next year? In Tennessee, we have the tools and the climate to make it happen, it’s just a matter of planning and execution.