After September 20, seed ryegrass with small grain at recommended seeding rates. Seed ryegrass alone after October 1 at the rate of not more than 50 pounds per acre. It is important, especially in south Mississippi, to plant a rust-resistant variety. The small grains are susceptible to several seed-borne and fungus leaf diseases. Use a fungicide seed treatment on small grains at planting.
Rusts are usually the most troublesome of the leaf diseases on small grains.
It is important to plant recommended varieties since these will have the best disease tolerance. Begin grazing when grass reaches 6 to 8 inches high. On fallowed land and with normal rainfall, you can start grazing by late October. However, in many years it will be mid-November before grazing is ready to be stocked, so make arrangements to care for animals properly until this time. Graze small grain or small grain-ryegrass mixtures first.