Managing Summer Pastures

An obvious sign of the onset of summer in Kentucky is the change in the fields from the rich green of spring to a duller, brownish hue. This is due to the fact that the majority of grazing in our pastures is provided by cool season grasses such as bluegrass, orchardgrass, and tall fescue. The growth of these cool season grasses slows dramatically as the soil and ambient temperatures increase. Effective management during these warmer months takes some planning and flexibility in order to support the investment in cool season pastures.

Due to the limited productivity of desirable forages, adjustments in management must be made. Keeping a mowing height of 8 inches helps maintain ground cover and promote resilience in the plant. This time of year, grasses will be slow to recover from grazing. Fields should not be grazed shorter than 4 inches. Maintaining this height may require a reduction to the stocking rate or implementing rotational grazing.

As the cool season grasses struggle, the native warm season grasses geminate and begin to grow. This includes perennial species such as nimblewill and johnsongrass as well as annual species such as foxtail and crabgrass. While crabgrass can provide limited grazing before seeding out, nimblewill is unpalatable throughout its life cycle. When the desirable grasses are weakened by heat and grazing, these weedy species often out compete them. Encroachment of warm season grasses will reduce available grazing by taking up space and nutrients.

The best strategy to support pastures throughout the summer begins long before the hot weather hits. Obtain a soil test and apply any necessary lime and fertilizer in order to improve soil fertility. Ensuring proper pH and nutrient levels will help to optimize grass growth and allow the field to better withstand stress. Lime can be applied any time of year. Fertilizer should be applied in the autumn after a killing frost.

Summer can present many challenges when it comes to supporting cool season pastures. However, adaptable management strategies can help ensure continued productivity and persistence.

Seasonal Tip: Remember, short grass is thirsty grass!