Fall Pasture Management and Renovation

By Jeffrey Graybill

Hot, dry summers often result in pasture overgrazing, and before you know it, grass and broadleaf weeds have replaced desired species.

Late summer and early fall is usually an optimum time to evaluate and if needed renovate pastures here in Pennsylvania. A correct assessment of your pasture is very important to help you decide what action may be warranted.  Often “Restoration" can be just as successful as total “Renovation". Restoration is working with the existing species to nurture and encourage them to thicken up and successfully compete with weeds. This approach is less drastic and some simple actions such as fertilizing, weed control, and limiting grazing can often yield success. 

However, should weed species and bare areas predominate, a total renovation will often be necessary. The Penn State Extension websites listed below can help you assess your pastures and hayfields and take the appropriate action to meet your productivity goals. You can visit the site by clicking on the following links:

• Fall Management for Pastures: Renovate or Restore? 
• Late Summer Pasture and Hay Management and Renovation