Northeast Research and Demonstration Farm

Extending the Grazing Season With Intercropping Summer Annuals and Cover Crops

---

Abstract

Grazing is the most cost-effective method of harvesting forage, so extending grazing into late fall and early spring can significantly reduce feed costs for livestock operations. Summer annuals are commonly used to combat the “summer slump” because they grow quickly, perform well in multi-cut systems, and thrive in summer heat when cool-season grasses slow down. Meanwhile, interest in cover crops is increasing as a strategy to provide additional grazing opportunities in fall or early spring. However, in the upper Midwest, the establishment window for cover crops after traditional silage or grain harvest is often very short, limiting success. This project evaluates whether cover crops can be successfully established within a multi-cut summer annual system to improve forage availability and reduce feed costs.

How to Cite:

Gruss, S., Jaschke, L. & Pecinovsky, K., (2026) “Extending the Grazing Season With Intercropping Summer Annuals and Cover Crops”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 2025(1), 31-32.