Forage crops can play a key role in maintaining livestock productivity when pasture growth slows. Whether you're planning for winter or summer, the right crop can help fill feed gaps, reduce reliance on purchased feed, and support critical production phases such as weaning, lactation or pasture renovation.
The best choice of forage crop and sowing time will vary according to climate and local conditions. The following advice is a guide to help you understand your options.
Winter forage crops
Winter forage crops are commonly used to fill feed gaps during the colder months, particularly in grazing and mixed farming systems. They can be grazed, cut for hay or silage, and are often used to rest perennial pastures.
Assess your feed needs
- Estimate current pasture availability and when it will decline.
- Identify livestock nutritional needs during key stages such as weaning or late pregnancy.
- Use feed budgeting tools or pasture growth models to identify shortfalls.
Choose the right crop
| Crop type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oats | Bulk feed |
|
| Wheat | Disease resistance |
|
| Barley | Quick establishment |
|
| Triticale | Early bulk |
|
| Ryegrass | Flexible grazing |
|
| Brassicas | High-quality feed |
|
Timing and sowing
- Sow in February–March for early growth or April for early-maturing varieties.
- Prepare a clean, firm seedbed with good seed-to-soil contact.
- Use retained stubble or fallow to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Grazing management
- Introduce stock gradually over 7 - 10 days.
- Provide roughage to support rumen function.
- Monitor for mineral imbalances, especially with brassicas and cereals.
Summer forage crops
Summer forage crops are used to provide high-quality feed during hot, dry periods or when perennial pastures are recovering. They can also help suppress weeds and prepare paddocks for autumn sowing.
Choose the right crop
| Crop type | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forage millet | Lower fertility soils | Graze at 25–30 cm, leave 10 cm for regrowth. |
| Forage sorghum | High yield, fast growth | Graze at 60–120 cm. Monitor for prussic acid risk. |
| Pennisetum | Bulk feed and silage | Requires warm soils (18°C+). |
| Cowpea | High-quality legume | Suits lighter soils. Avoid cutting below 15 cm. |
| Lablab | Legume for heavier soils | Slower to establish but good regrowth. |
| Brassicas | High-quality feed | Slower to establish. Requires roughage supplementation. |
Soil temperature and sowing
- Millet: 14°C+
- Sorghum: 16°C+
- Pennisetum: 18°C+
- Cowpea/lablab: 20°C+
Measure soil temperature at sowing depth (early morning) and ensure it’s on a rising trend.
Grazing and management
- Graze at recommended heights to maintain quality and encourage regrowth.
- Avoid overgrazing legumes.
- Monitor for prussic acid in sorghum, especially after stress events.
Soil health
Learn more about simple and sustainable ways to care for soil and prevent erosion.
Grazing managment
Stocking, rotational grazing, or tactical grazing to balance pasture recovery and animal performance.
Pastures in NSW
Learn about pasture management to support livestock health, soil condition and farm resilience.
Contact Local Land Services NSW
Our team welcome your enquiries, feedback and comments. Contact our team
Our website is in the final stages of migrating to nsw.gov.au.
Use the search function to find the information or resources you need.