Preparing for Late Summer/Fall Forage Seedlings

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Planning to seed a new pasture or hay field for the 2026 production year & beyond? If so, it is time to consider taking a few important preparation steps prior to seeding.

• Soil test -Taking a fresh soil test now allows time to address fertility imbalances which may hinder the establishment of a productive new stand of forages. Soil pH correction should be a top priority. Grasses prefer a pH of at least 6.0, while clovers and alfalfa will establish and persist better at a higher pH range of 6.4 - 6.8. With legumes, this is especially important for nutrient availability and nitrogen fixation. Make applications of lime as soon as possible to begin that pH correction process, as it takes several months for soil pH to change significantly, especially in a no-till situation. Based on the soil analysis, be sure that you’re using the right lime source (high-Cal or dolomitic Mg).
• Evaluate the field for undesirable perennial weed infestations - and apply a herbicide treatment accordingly by allowing time for the herbicide residual to dissipate prior to seeding. Follow herbicide product label guidelines for reseeding intervals. It may require two separate herbicide application efforts to eliminate certain hard-to-kill grasses and weeds, so getting an early start is a good idea.
• Determine your farm’s ideal seeding time range - and aim to complete a new seeding while the weather and soil conditions are right. It’s important to have new seedings well established prior to the onset of the cold weather dormancy period and frost. Winter heaving of cold/wet soil frequently results in failed seedings, if root development is minimal.
• Purchase quality seed, which is adapted for your geography - and plant seeds-per-acre at the higher end of recommended rates.
• Plant the seed at the proper depth - A common cause of seeding failures is placing the seed too deep. Set the no-till drill planting depth in an area typical of the entire field, not on the headland where equipment traffic has compacted the soil. Most forage grasses should not be seeded deeper than ½ inch. To get the correct planting depth, plant residue needs to be minimized or easily cut by the drill. Seed to soil contact is crucial for proper moisture uptake by the seed and this can be hindered by plant residue.