Seasonal management of multi-species swards

Effective seasonal management is essential to get the best from multi-species swards. Different species have varying growth patterns and responses to weather conditions. Adjusting grazing and cutting strategies through the year helps maintain forage quality, animal performance and sward longevity.

Spring is a critical period that sets the sward up for the rest of the season.

Grasses tend to start growing at lower soil temperatures than legumes and herbs. Early management needs to protect the slower-starting species. 

Gradually introduce livestock to the sward to prevent overgrazing and allow plants to establish a strong root system. Begin grazing once the sward reaches a height of 6–10 cm. 

If growth outpaces grazing demand, consider shutting up surplus fields for silage to maintain control and protect the grazing rotation.

Growth rates increase rapidly during late spring. Use rotational grazing to manage rapid growth and prevent swards becoming stemmy. 

Move stock frequently to ensure even use across the field and maintain appropriate residuals to protect legumes and herbs. 

For mixed swards, the first cut should be just before heading for optimal quality and the early bloom stage of clovers. A second cut may be scheduled if regrowth is rapid, typically 4–6 weeks after the first.

Focus on balancing use with stress management, particularly during dry periods.

Continue rotational grazing, monitoring growth closely and adjust stocking rates or rotation length if growth slows. 

Your cutting strategy should prioritise maintaining feed quality while leaving sufficient stubble to support regrowth.

Higher temperatures and lower soil moisture can stress both plants and animals. 

Monitor the sward closely as temperatures peak and moisture levels decrease. Reduce grazing intensity to prevent overgrazing and allow for recovery, especially during periods of drought. 

Where moisture is adequate, a third or fourth cut may be possible. In hot, dry conditions, it may be better to extend cutting intervals to avoid weakening drought-sensitive species such as clover.

Autumn is a key period for rebuilding plant reserves and preparing swards for winter.

Cooling temperatures and rainfall often drive renewed growth. 

Increase grazing frequency while maintaining rotational grazing to capitalise on this growth spurt. 

Allow most of the herb and legume species to flower as it helps with longevity. 

Dry stock can be useful at this stage to tidy swards and regain control before winter. Strip grazing can help manage utilisation without damaging plant crowns. 

An additional cut may be taken where growth allows, but focus on protecting sward health rather than maximum yield.

As growth slows and plants prepare for dormancy, significantly reduce grazing pressure.  

If taking a final cut, do so early enough to allow recovery before winter and leave adequate residual height to protect plants. 

Avoid very late cutting as it can weaken plants and reduce overwinter survival.

In most systems, winter is a rest period for multi-species swards. If you do practise winter grazing, make sure it’s light and doesn’t stress the sward.  

Avoid supplementary feeding on multi-species swards due to risk of damage to the legumes and herbs, unless the field is being reseeded in the following year or being returned to arable rotation. 

Providing adequate shelter, bedding and high-quality forage helps reduce pressure on multi-species swards during winter.