Producing High-Value Forage: Grow and Graze April 2026

Harry Cope of Cope Grass Farm discusses strategies for growing high quality forage for year-round grazing. He spoke with Logan Karcher, Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition director of producer programs, about changing our mindsets when it comes to growing grass. Learn what he has done successfully on his Missouri farm. April 2026 Discussion. 00:00 Introduction of Harry Cope 03:54 Benefit of having high quality forage available 04:19 Benefits of grazing milo for winter feed and cost analysis vs feeding hay 05:49 Dangers of toxic fescue and its impact on grazing livestock 06:58 Diverse native pasture mixes: tall grasses, warm season, forbs 10:15 Impact of fertilizer on forage diversity 10:40 Forage testing on grass silage 13:40 Progression toward multiculture diverse forage mixes 15:55 Converting ground to native pastures 16:41 Managing fescue 23:57 Determining natives in your area of the country 27:00 Value of red clover 28:39 Preparing the pastures or crop ground for planting mixture 38:43 Key steps to improve forage quality 41:09 Value of resting pastures 46:00 About the Illinois Grazing Forage Hub