The recent Indiana grazing newsletter (Hoos-Your Grazing Network) offered timely tips that are applicable to Illinois forage producers. The winter months provide an excellent time to plan hay and pasture strategies.

Here are planning suggestions for northern Illinois forage producers for the winter months, starting with January:

• Prepare for pasture renovation by determining forage species and varieties and getting equipment ready.
• Allocate hay feeding based on animal needs and hay quality.
• Test forages to be fed this winter.
• Allocate pasture utilization strategies (fencing, water, and shade).
• Re-new your membership or become a member of the Illinois Forage and Grassland Council.

Suggestions for February include:

• Frost seed or overseed legumes in grass pastures that contain less than 30 percent legumes.
• Apply herbicides for control of winter-annual grass and broadleaf weeds in alfalfa.
• Attend the Illinois Forage Institute at the Holiday Inn, Mt. Vernon on February 26.
• Attend the Alfalfa Production and Harvesting workshop the morning of February 29, check with your local University of Illinois Extension office for details.

Suggestions for March include:

• Smooth and re-seed hay feeding areas and heavy traffic areas.
• Renovate pastures.
• Scout alfalfa fields for heaving, winter damage, and stand counts.
• Soil test fields for late summer legume seedings and apply lime as soil conditions allow.
• Seed new pastures and hay to recommended forages when soil conditions allow.
• Get ready to implement a rotational grazing management system.

Further information is available at your local University of Illinois Extension and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices.