The use of stockpiled forage can be a good method to reduce feed costs, reduce erosion, and increase future forage production.
Stockpiled forage is forage that has been saved in certain fields for later grazing after forage growth has stopped. In higher rainfall areas that utilize bermudagrass or bahiagrass, the stockpiling period should start about 60-75 days before the first expected frost.
Fields that will be stockpiled should be grazed to 3-5 inches high or cut for hay and fertilized with 50-60 pounds of nitrogen.
After frost, this stockpiled forage can provide 30-45 days of additional grazing.
