The Hay Masters

Growing

Growing Seasons

Hays are grouped into two categories: Cool Season and Warm Season.

Cool season plants begin their growth and/or are planted in the spring or early summer. Most of their growth occurs during the coolest months of the year.

Examples of Cool Season Hays are:

Grasses
  • Rye Grass
  • Kentucky Blue Grass
  • Orchard Grass
  • Brome Grass
  • Fescue
  • Timothy
Legumes
  • Alfalfa
  • Alsike Clover
  • Arrowleaf Clover
  • Birdsfoot Trefoil
  • Common Vetch
  • Red Clover
  • Sweet Clover
  • Winter Pea
Cool Season Grasses Article from Univ. of CA-Davis

Warm season plants begin their growth and/or are planted in the spring or early summer. The majority of their growth occurs during the warmest months of the year.

Examples of Warm Season Hays are:

Grasses
  • Bermuda Grass
  • Switch Grass
  • Millet
  • Sudan Grass
Legumes
  • Alyce Clover
  • Cowpea
  • Lezedeza (Korean, Servicea and Striate)
Warm Season Grasses Article from Iowa State University Extension
Grass Growth and Regrowth for Improved Management from Oregon State Univ. Forage Information System
Copyright © 1996-2009 Deere & Company. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy & Legal