Days to Maturity for Forage Crops

Days to maturity or grain provides a general benchmark, but ideal use—whether for grazing, browsing, or for seed production will vary by species and goal. Many forages are most palatable and nutrient-dense early in growth, while others provide the greatest wildlife value when allowed to mature and produce seed.

Forage Grains - Days to Grain:

CROP KIND	DAYS TO GRAIN	IDEAL GRAZING	NOTES
WGF Sorghum (Milo)	70-100 days	40-60 days	Graze before heading; watch prussic acid at frost; seed production
BMR Sorghum Sudangrass	60-90 days	40-60 days	Graze at 18–30" height; excellent regrowth
Peredovik Annual Sunflower	80-120 days	50-80 days	Graze before bloom; highly palatable early; seed production
Japanese Millet	40-60 days	40-60 days	Very fast; great emergency forage
Foxtail Millet	50-70 days	40-60 days	Graze before heading; seed production
White Proso Millet	50-70 days	40-60 days	Similar to foxtail millet; quick early forage; seed production
Buckwheat	30-50 days	25-45 days	Very rapid; best grazed pre-flower; excellent pollinator value
Oats	60-75 days	50-60 days	Graze before seed production for best quality; quick germination
Winter Wheat	120-200 days (planted in fall)	40-90 days	Excellent fall/winter grazing if established early
Rye Grain	120-200 days (planted in fall)	30-80 days	One of the earliest grazing options

Grazing timing is based on growth stage and environmental conditions—days are estimates

Forbs & Legumes - Days to Maturity:

CROP KIND	DAYS TO MATURITY	IDEAL GRAZING	NOTES
Medium Red Clover	60-75 days	40–70 days	Graze before full bloom for best quality
Ladino Clover	60-90 days	40-70 days	Earlier grazing improves regrowth and longevity
Crimson Clover	60-90 days	30–55 days	Graze prior to bloom; quality declines after flowering
Alfalfa	60-90 days	35–60 days	Graze at early bud stage for optimal quality & persistence
Radish	40-60 days	40-50 days	Peak forage quality occurs before bulbs become mature
Purple Top Turnips	50-70 days	40–60 days	Graze tops early; bulbs provide later-season forage
Winfred Brassica	50-70 days	30–60 days	Fast-growing; avoid waiting too long to maintain quality
Rapeseed (Canola)	60-90 days	45-75 days	Supports extended grazing with good regrowth potential
Annual Ryegrass	45-75 days	30–60 days	Early grazing option; very responsive to management
Orchardgrass	50-75 days	45–70 days	Graze before seeds emerge for high palatability & quality
Timothy	60-75 days	45–65 days	Graze before seeds emerge for high palatability & quality
Forage Chicory	60-90 days	45–85 days	Highly digestible; maintains quality for a long window

Grazing timing is based on growth stage and environmental conditions—days are estimates

What to Expect from These Species

Cool-season grasses and small grains offer early-season forage, while warm-season species provide rapid summer growth and structure. Broadleaf species like clovers, brassicas, and chicory deliver high-quality forage early, while crops such as millets, sorghum, sunflowers, and grains can be managed to produce seed that supports birds and other wildlife later in the season.

Management Considerations

Management depends on your primary goal. For livestock or browsing wildlife, earlier use supports quality and regrowth. For birds and late-season wildlife, allowing portions of the planting to reach maturity and set seed can provide valuable food sources and cover. Many plantings benefit from a mixed approach, where some areas are utilized early and others are left to mature.

Quick Takeaways

Early growth stages = highest forage quality and palatability
Allowing plants to mature = seed production for birds and extended wildlife value
Fast-growing species require timely use or intentional management for seed set
Diverse plantings help support grazing and browsing for wildlife across seasons

Last updated: 05/15/2026

Days to Maturity for Forage Crops

Forage Grains - Days to Grain:

CROP KIND

DAYS TO GRAIN

IDEAL GRAZING

NOTES