Grazing is a good way to utilize fall-produced forage without the cost associated with making hay, and fall is not an easy time to make hay because of lower temperatures and shorter days. Alfalfa producers ask many questions about grazing alfalfa.  

The best way to graze alfalfa is to wait until a little later. Wait until the alfalfa has stopped growing after the first hard freeze. This greatly reduces the problems of bloat and is good for the alfalfa.  

Grazing after the first hard freeze helps with alfalfa weevil problems next spring. Grazing removes the stems where the adults lay eggs during the fall and winter. If there are no stems, weevils go somewhere else to lay eggs.  

Grazing can also help control certain weeds. Animals eat seedling weeds and they do not regrow. Their hooves actually cut off and kill some small weeds.  

Generally, removing the fall growth is good for the health of alfalfa plants. Flash grazing is better than leaving animals on the fields for long periods of time. Put enough cattle on a paddock to remove all the foliage in 7 to 10 days, then move them to another paddock.