Winter forages cannot be grown everywhere in the state and on every soil type. Some areas and some soils are too dry during the cool season to successfully grow plants. Therefore, the type of winter forage and the site where it is grown should be carefully selected. Below is given the recommended cool season forages and varieties that can be grown in Florida with some success. Grasses RYE - Rye is the small grain most widely used for winter grazing.
Rye is more cold tolerant than oats and generally produces more forage than either oats or wheat.
Normally rye from northern states will produce little forage in late fall or early winter and will usually be severely damaged by leaf rust. Recommended varieties are Florida 401 and Florida Black for late fall and early winter grazing. Wrens 96, Florida 402, Wrens Abruzzi, Bates, Elbon, Bonel, Oklon, Maton, Pennington Wintergraze 70, Gurley Grazer 2000, and Grazemaster for winter and spring grazing. OATS - May be planted and grazed earlier than rye. Very palatable, but susceptible to freeze injury.