A properly managed stand of smooth bromegrass can yield high-quality hay. This forage is best if it is cut between early heading and full bloom, typically around mid-May. Smooth bromegrass left much beyond this period will decrease rapidly in nutritional content. By the dough stage, the grass will be nutritionally inadequate. Also, smooth bromegrass should never be cut below a height of four inches or its regrowth potential will be greatly reduced.
Seed production is another alternative.
Smooth bromegrass seed should be harvested when the culm, or stem just below the seed head, has matured and dried out, ideally on a day when the humidity is less than 50 percent. Once it has been collected, the seed should be turned daily to prevent heating. The stubble can also be collected but is much less nutritious than earlier-season hay. In summary, smooth bromegrass can be a valuable cool-season grass, especially in conjunction with a legume such as alfalfa. However, smooth bromegrass is slow to recover from poorly timed or extreme grazing or mowing.