This has been beneficial in the southeast United States, where small grains pastures are quite common. Mixing species of rye, wheat, barley, or triticale can help extend the grazing period and reduce the tendency for a strong peak growth period in the spring. Grazing Management With adequate fall moisture, grazing should be available from October through December and then again in early spring. Stocking rate and time of grazing will be somewhat determined by the intended use of the crop. If you are planning to take a silage or grain harvest, grazing should only be moderate.
Heavy grazing can reduce grain yields.
Moderate grazing in the fall will not result in significant silage or grain losses provided that moisture and soil fertility are adequate. In fact, fall pasturing can be beneficial where the small grain was seeded early and has made excessive growth. Spring grazing may be started when growth resumes. Small grains plants will be injured by grazing at any time after their growing points are above the ground. Temporary electric fencing should provide a practical way to manage these pastures.