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Autumn-sown forage crops can play an important role in filling winter feed gaps and supporting livestock performance through the colder months. Choosing the right crop or crop mix and sowing at the right time can make a significant difference to the amount of feed available for winter grazing.

Timing Matters

Sowing date is one of the biggest drivers of winter dry matter production. Earlier autumn sowing allows crops more time to establish and accumulate feed before winter growth slows.

Late February to early March sowing typically provides the greatest yield potential heading into winter. As sowing moves later into autumn, the shorter growing window reduces total dry matter production across all crop types.

Where sowing is delayed into April, growers should expect lower yields due to cooler temperatures and slower plant development. In these situations, selecting crops with good winter activity becomes increasingly important.

Considering Crop Options

A range of forage types can be used for autumn sowing in Canterbury, including:

• Cereal forages such as oats
• Annual ryegrass
• Cereal and ryegrass mixes

Cereal-based options are often valued for their strong early growth and winter activity, which can help build feed quickly following establishment. Annual or Italian  ryegrass can provide high-quality forage and, depending on the system, may offer opportunities for regrowth and multiple grazings.

Benefits of Crop Mixes

Combining different forage species can provide several advantages. Mixed crops may offer improved overall yield potential compared with single-species plantings, particularly where cereals are included to drive early growth.

Including a grass component alongside a cereal option can also improve regrowth potential later in winter and into spring, providing additional grazing opportunities beyond the first feed.

Feed Quality and Grazing Management

While cereals can produce strong early dry matter yields, annual ryegrass often provide higher feed quality. Crop choice should therefore be aligned with stock class, feeding strategy and overall farm system.

It’s also important to consider the grazing plan when selecting crops. Some options are best suited to a single winter graze, while others can provide multiple grazings through late winter and spring if managed appropriately.

Planning Ahead

When planning autumn crops, consider the following factors:

• Sowing date and soil temperature
• Expected winter feed demand
• Crop establishment conditions
• Grazing timing and management
• Potential for regrowth

Taking these factors into account can help maximise winter feed supply and ensure crops fit effectively within the wider farm system.