Graze the field as soon as it will support the weight of the livestock in the spring. Remove the cattle when young legume seedlings begin to be eaten. Rest the pasture until grass and legumes have accumulated at least 4 weeks of growth. This process may need to be repeated every 2 or 3 years, since red clover, a commonly used legume, does not usually persist for more than 2 or 3 years. Harvest Management Pasture .
Tall fescue is a good winter pasture for overwintering livestock.
Fall growth is more palatable and digestible than summer growth. Pastures used for late fall and winter should not be grazed during the summer. Excessive fescue produced in the spring is commonly cut for hay to be fed on pasture or in the drylot the following winter. Hay should be cut in the early head stage of growth to insure reasonable quality and yield. Cutting early and frequently improves quality of the hay and does not negatively affect the stand.