Plant Diversity Co.
fall forage cover
The Fall Seeded Cover
Take advantage of moisture and sunlight in late fall and early spring with these cool-season biennial/winter annual plant species. The result is a highly palatable and balanced (energy + protein) feed source.
Consider sowing the Warm Season Cover after harvest. This is commonly referred to as Double Cropping.
Dark Blue: Cool Season Plants Light Blue: Warm Season Plants (None)
Fall forage cover
Plant species in blend
Take advantage of late fall/early spring moisture, balance your C:N ratio & provide a balanced feed source of energy & protein.
Seeding Rate: 60 Ibs/acre SKU: 2000 Ib Tote
Seed Tag: Click Here
1/2 Rate Inoculant Required: Learn More
FCC Financing is now available for 2023-2024 seed purchases.
Fall forage cover
frequently Asked Questions
See below for the most Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Fall Forage Cover.
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Option 1: Sow after termination of perennial stand
Option 2: Sow after silage harvest
Option 3: Sow after harvest of early seeded cash crop. (ex. Peas)
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If legumes (Hairy Vetch, Red Clover) do not overwinter, Nitrogen will need to be applied to the remaining cereal crop. Fertilizer as you would normally a Cereal Rye or Winter Wheat crop.
If legumes overwinter successfully, you have earned your right to reduce Nitrogen fertilizer. -
For the best chance of legumes surviving winter, the crop should be seeded no later than the 3rd week in September. (be mindful that each year is different).
Remember to apply 1/2 rate NDURE inoculant. -
Under normal growing conditions and winter survivability, the Fall Forage Cover should produce between 3,000-4000 Ibs dry matter per acre.
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Depending on the spring (moisture, temperature, frost) the crop should be harvested in mid-late June to ensure feed quality and palatability. Chop or bale silage is the recommended harvest method.
Double Cropping Tip: Remember to immediately sow Warm Season plant species after you have harvested/grazed your Fall Forage Cover.
Important To Note: Hairy Vetch (Prairies) has been sourced from local farms on the Canadian Prairies as the seed genome has experienced a dormancy period in a prairie winter. This allows you the best chance for your Hairy Vetch to overwinter in our northern climate.
fall Forage COVER
Farm Experiences across western canada
Click on the image to view a Compilation Of Pictures from farmers across Western Canada.
Fall Forage Cover
What is Double Cropping?
Step 1: Sow overwintering/biennial plant species (Fall Forage Cover) in the fall.
Step 2: Harvest the overwintered plant species for winter forage or graze if desired.
Step 3: By immediately sowing the Warm Season Cover, you have now put the appropriate plant species in place to maximize biomass within 50-60 days.
Step 4: Harvest the Warm Season Cover for winter forage, grazing, or swath grazing.
To learn about C4 plants & why they are ideal for Double Cropping, click here.
fall forage cover
Plant Species in blend
See below for some general information on the plant species in the blend.
Featured
REMEMBER TO APPLY
OFCAF FUnding
Remember to apply for the OFCAF funding where you could be eligible to receive up to $35.00/acre (max. $75,000) for the adoption of multispecies cover crops on your operation. Click here for help getting the process/application started.
Funding will differ across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, & Alberta.
Double Cropping
Contact US
Feel free to reach out to a member of Our Team to discuss how Double Cropping might fit your operation.