Winter rye is the most winter hardy of the small grains. Quick growth in both fall and spring make it the most productive of the small grains for pasture (Putnam, 1996; Samples, 1997). Forage-type varieties are available that have greater fall growth and extend the grazing season in late fall. Although best production is on fertile, well-drained soils of medium or heavier texture, winter rye is more productive than other small grains on soil with lower pH and fertility, higher clay or sand content, or poorer drainage. Winter rye matures the earliest of the small grains. Because palatability and quality of rye are unacceptable if allowed to mature past the boot stage, winter rye is the most difficult of the small grains to manage for high quality.
Establishment and Fertilization Establishment is best achieved by the use of a grain drill equipped with packer wheels, set to a one-inch planting depth. Another satisfactory method is to broadcast the seed followed by a shallow disking or harrowing and cultipacking. When seeding small grains for fall pasture, either plant in mid to late August or follow normal seeding guidelines. If small grains are planted only for pasture use, increase the seeding rate to three bushels per acre and apply nitrogen at a rate of 40 lbs/acre at planting times.
Grazing Fall and spring grazing of small grains should begin when sufficient growth is available to support livestock. Delayed planting dates and wet field conditions during the prime grazing season make grazing of small grains difficult in Ohio. Fall graze only early-seeded small grains. Begin grazing when six inches of growth is available and leave two to three inches of stubble after grazing. Heavy fall grazing increases the risk of winter kill, unless excessive fall growth is present. Do not graze when the small grain is dormant or when the ground is frozen and subsequent spring growth and/or grain production is desired. In the spring, graze only when fields are firm. Consider heavy, late-spring grazing when the plants begin stem elongation (jointing stage).