By Scout Nelson
As winter approaches, Minnesota livestock producers are encouraged to assess pasture conditions and make management decisions that support healthy forage growth in spring. The drought and high temperatures experienced during the 2026 growing season placed additional stress on pastures, making fall management important for protecting forage plants and preparing for the next growing season.
According to Beatriz Bizzuti, Assistant Professor and Forage Extension Agronomist, and Troy Salzer, Extension Educator in Agricultural Production Systems, cool-season grasses that form the foundation of Minnesota pastures can experience slower growth during hot weather. Combined with limited soil moisture, these conditions can reduce forage production and prevent plants from restoring the energy reserves needed to survive winter and recover in spring.
Producers should evaluate their pastures for forage availability, bare ground, weed growth and uneven grazing. Areas with poor regrowth or reduced vegetation may need additional attention. Recording pasture conditions can help identify fields that require changes in grazing management, improved soil fertility, weed control or renovation.
Fall is also a suitable time to collect soil samples and identify nutrient deficiencies. Producers can gather samples from 10 to 20 representative locations at a depth of six inches and combine them for testing. The results can help determine whether lime or fertilizer applications are necessary. Nitrogen is often the most limiting nutrient in pastures without legumes, but producers should assess forage quality and plant coverage before investing in fertilizer.
Drought-stressed pastures with reduced plant cover are also more vulnerable to weed growth. Identifying weed species is important when selecting appropriate control methods. Mowing and grazing can help manage some annual weeds, while biennial and perennial species may require targeted herbicide applications or other control measures.
As forage growth slows during fall, producers should avoid overgrazing and allow plants enough time to recover before winter. Resting vulnerable paddocks and adjusting livestock access can help protect pasture stands. Corn stalks, suitable crop residues and stockpiled forage can provide additional feed sources and reduce pressure on existing pastures. Avoiding grazing on excessively wet soils is also important to prevent compaction and damage.
Winter gives producers an opportunity to review pasture conditions and plan improvements for spring. Soil fertility adjustments, weed management, overseeding and pasture renovation can help restore damaged areas. Rotational grazing, appropriate stocking rates and adequate recovery periods can also support long-term forage productivity.
The University of Minnesota Extension encourages producers to use available educational resources and events, including Tour de Forage, grazing schools and the Midwest Grazing Conference, to learn more about pasture management, soil health and forage production.
Fall assessments, soil testing and responsible grazing practices can help Minnesota producers protect their pastures through winter and improve forage recovery in spring.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock