Seasonal management of clover and multispecies swards

Managing clover and multispecies swards throughout the year helps keep them productive, resilient and long-lasting. Each plant in the mix grows differently and responds to weather in its own way, so you will get the best results by adjusting your grazing and cutting strategy with the seasons.

Early spring (March–April):

• As soils warm up, grass starts growing around 5°C, while clover waits for 8°C. Let the sward reach 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) before turning stock in. Start gently – this helps roots establish and avoids overgrazing too early
• Wait until the sward has clearly come out of dormancy. If you are cutting for silage, aim for late April to early May when plants are leafy and nutritious

Late spring (May–June):

• This is a high-growth period. Use rotational grazing to stay on top of growth, avoid patchy grazing and maintain quality
• Time your first cut for just before grass heads and clovers bloom. This gives you both yield and quality. With fast regrowth, you might get a second cut 4–6 weeks later

Early summer (June–July):

• Keep rotating to manage quality and growth. If dry weather kicks in, slow down the rotation or reduce stock numbers to avoid stressing the plants. You may need to supplement feed if growth stalls
• Second or third cuts may be possible, depending on growth. Keep cutting heights high enough to encourage good regrowth

Late summer (July–August):

• Monitor for heat and drought stress. Lighter grazing protects the plants and helps the sward bounce back
• If there is enough moisture, take a late cut. In dry spells, delay cutting and raise the cutting height to preserve plant health

Early autumn (September–October):

• Growth often picks up again. Make the most of it with a steady rotation, but begin to reduce stocking rates as the season ends so the sward can build energy for winter
• If summer growth was strong, an early autumn cut may still be an option. Balance forage yield with sward recovery before winter

Late autumn (October–November):

• Growth slows right down. Back off grazing intensity and avoid poaching or plant damage
• If you need one final cut, do it early and leave enough leaf/stubble for the sward to overwinter well

Winter (December–February):

• Growth all but stops during this period. In many areas, grazing is not possible. If you are grazing frost-tolerant swards, keep it light. Avoid wet ground to prevent poaching
• Use hay or silage to supplement feeding and take pressure off the sward. Move feeders regularly to avoid damage

Let the sward rest and rebuild root reserves to get off to a strong start in spring.

Climate change is throwing more unpredictable weather at farmers. Being flexible and forward-thinking is key.

Choose deep-rooted, drought-resilient plants like chicory, sainfoin and cocksfoot.

Ease off grazing, extend animals' rest periods and feed extra if needed.

Ensure animals have access to water – consider irrigation if practical.

Avoid grazing during or right after frost – especially with clover-rich swards, which are more frost-sensitive.

Choose winter-hardy plants that can handle freezing conditions.

• Choose plants that handle wet conditions, such as timothy, meadow foxtail and white clover
• Avoid grazing wet soils as it damages roots and compacts soil
• Invest in drainage to reduce long-term problems with waterlogging

Be flexible and adapt your cutting and grazing plans based on conditions, not the calendar.

Make sure to monitor sward growth and adjust stocking rates or delay cuts as needed.