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Cover Crops for Dairy Feed

A cover crop planted after corn silage or small grain can protect soil and also supply forage. The payoff depends on species, planting date, weather and how well you handle the harvest.

Why dairies grow cover crops for feed

Dairy farms already own the equipment and the storage to harvest forage. A cover crop that is planted after an early harvest can hold soil over winter and then be harvested in spring as extra feed, or grazed by heifers or dry cows where it fits.

The benefits go beyond feed. Roots hold soil, residue reduces erosion, and some species scavenge leftover nitrogen. But a cover crop is a crop, and it needs planning, seed and labor.

Think about the cow side as well. Cover crop forage is usually not the main feed, and the amount you can use depends on quality and how it fits with corn silage, haylage and other forages. Plan the storage space before you plant so you are not scrambling in spring.

Choosing species

Cool-season small grains such as cereal rye, triticale and winter wheat are common forage covers in many regions because they establish fast and regrow in spring. Mixes with legumes, brassicas or other grasses can add diversity, but each species has its own harvest and feeding quirks.

Pick species that suit your climate, soils, rotation and herbicide history. Ask your extension agent and seed dealer what has worked locally, and check the label restrictions for any herbicide used earlier in the season.

• Cereal rye, triticale or winter wheat for spring forage
• Legumes for added nitrogen where they fit
• Brassicas mainly for grazing situations
• Seed mixes only when you know how to manage them

Planting dates and methods

Planting date drives success. The sooner a cover goes in after harvest, the more growth it makes before winter. Late planting often means thin stands and little spring feed. Drilling usually gives better stands than broadcasting, though broadcasting ahead of harvest or with a high-clearance seeder can help in tight rotations.

Plan the rotation backward. Choose corn hybrids or harvest dates that leave room for the cover, and book equipment ahead of time so seeding is not left until the weather turns.

Soil moisture, residue and seedbed all affect germination. Ask your seed dealer about seeding rates and depth for each species, and check that your drill or spreader is set up for small seed. Too much corn residue left unchopped can interfere with stands.

Harvest timing and feed quality

Spring forage quality changes quickly. Harvest too late and fiber rises while digestibility falls. Cut at the stage your nutritionist recommends and make sure the crop is not so wet that it ferments poorly. Wilting before ensiling often helps.

Plan the next crop too. A late harvest of the cover can delay planting corn and cost yield. Weigh the value of the feed against the timing of the main crop, and consider termination dates ahead of planting.

Weather will decide some years. A cold wet spring may delay growth and harvest, and a dry spring may reduce yield or push quality down. Have a backup plan, such as grazing, chopping early or terminating the cover crop if it will not pay.

Ensiling, testing and feeding

Treat cover crop forage like any other silage. Chop at the right length, pack well and seal quickly. Take a sample for lab analysis before it goes into the ration, since quality varies with species, stage and weather.

Introduce it slowly and watch intake and manure. Work with your nutritionist so it fits the ration as part of the whole diet. Keep cover crop silage separate from other feeds at first so you can track results.

• Sample every batch
• Pack and cover quickly
• Introduce gradually
• Record yield and cow response

Common mistakes and what to ask

Common mistakes include seeding too late, choosing species without checking the rotation, skipping feed tests and letting the crop get overly mature. Another is forgetting herbicide carryover limits on the label.

Ask your extension agent, agronomist and nutritionist for guidance that fits your farm. Ask NRCS about cost-share, as program terms and deadlines change.

Keep notes on each field: species, seeding date, method, yield, forage test and cow response. After a few seasons, your own records will tell you more than any general advice about what works on your ground.

• Does the planting window work in my rotation?
• What does the seed label and herbicide label allow?
• What stage should I harvest?
• Is there cost-share open now?

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