Restoring Pastures After Drought for Healthy Spring Growth

By Andi Anderson

Following two years of drought, many pastures across the region are showing visible distress — thin coverage, uneven growth, and bare patches of soil that invite weeds and erosion.

Agricultural experts warn that if these areas are left untreated, they could worsen through the winter and hinder future forage production.

To restore pasture health, covering the soil before winter is crucial. Farmers should minimize animal hoof traffic in damaged areas and consider reseeding with quick-growing grasses that establish before hard freezes.

Cereal rye is a recommended option — it’s affordable, widely available, and can be planted with a no-till drill or broadcast and packed lightly into the soil.

According to the Ohio State University (OSU) Extension, cereal rye can be planted in Ohio through November 1, ideally at a depth of 1 to 1.5 inches. Proper calibration of the seeder is essential, as soil moisture, sod cover, and equipment weight all influence planting depth. More details can be found in OSU’s fact sheet “Attributes and Considerations for the Use of Cereal Rye as a Cover Crop.”

If seeding isn’t feasible, spreading hay or straw mulch over bare areas helps protect soil from erosion and may introduce residual seed for spring growth. Frost seeding legumes during late winter is another effective technique.

Broadcasting seed onto frozen ground allows freeze-thaw cycles and winter moisture to naturally incorporate seeds into the soil without causing compaction from heavy equipment.

When spring arrives, farmers can overseed perennial cool-season grasses and legumes once soil conditions and temperatures improve. Before planting, a soil test is recommended to ensure fertility supports new forage growth.

No matter the strategy, experts emphasize that rest is key. Allowing pastures time to recover by limiting livestock movement gives new plants the best chance to establish and thrive, ensuring a stronger and more productive grazing system in the coming season.

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