University of Nebraska insights on spring grazing
Considering grazing your winter forage. When grazed from early April to early May, forage quality is key. Growing calves can gain 3 to 4 lbs/day on properly managed winter forage. Triticale retains its feed value better than wheat or rye into late spring since it does not mature as quickly. This makes it well-suited for hay and silage, or for grazing well into June.
Begin grazing when the plants are about 5 to 6 inches tall and manage to keep the maximum height at 8 to 10 inches. Rotational grazing with higher stocking densities can assist with keeping the plant maturity more uniform and reduce selective grazing.
