Stockpiling Fescue and Orchardgrass Can Extend Grazing Season

By Andi Anderson

Stockpiling fescue and orchardgrass is a practical way for farmers to extend the grazing season and reduce feed costs. By allowing a pasture to grow for late-season grazing, producers can generate additional forage, though profitability depends on fertilizer prices, weather, and forage values.

To maximize results, pastures selected for stockpiling should not be grazed after July 31. Nitrogen should be applied about six weeks before the growing season ends, ideally followed by rainfall and favorable temperatures. A typical application rate is around 50 units of nitrogen per acre, equivalent to about 110 pounds of urea.

Economic returns vary with both hay prices and fertilizer costs. For example, when urea costs $400 per ton and hay dry matter (D.M.) sells for $60 per ton, about 924 additional pounds of pasture D.M. per acre are needed to break even. Higher hay values reduce the amount of extra forage required to cover expenses, making stockpiling more profitable.

However, the practice carries risks. Insufficient rainfall after nitrogen application, early frosts, or unexpected freezes can limit forage growth and reduce returns. Applying nitrogen too late increases the risk of not recovering costs.

The third week of August is considered the latest advisable application time to aim for an extra ton of dry matter per acre.

Even without additional nitrogen, letting a pasture rest for late-season grazing can produce useful forage. Developing a rotational grazing plan can improve harvest efficiency and maximize the value of stockpiled pastures.

With forage prices on the rise, stockpiling fescue and orchardgrass may be a worthwhile option this year for producers seeking to stretch grazing days and improve profitability.

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