7 Backyard Forage Crops for Livestock That Slash Your Feed Bills

Looking to cut feed costs while providing nutritious options for your livestock? Backyard forage crops offer a sustainable solution that can transform unused space into valuable feeding grounds. These easy-to-grow plants not only reduce your dependence on expensive commercial feeds but also improve animal health through diverse nutrition.

Growing your own forage crops means you’ll always have fresh, chemical-free feed right at your fingertips. From fast-growing grasses to nutrient-dense legumes, the options for small-scale livestock owners are surprisingly varied and adaptable to different climates and spaces. With minimal investment and some basic planning, you can create a year-round feeding system that benefits both your animals and your budget.

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10 Nutritious Backyard Forage Crops for Livestock

1. Alfalfa

Alfalfa stands as a protein powerhouse for your livestock, containing up to 20% crude protein and abundant calcium. You’ll find it’s particularly valuable for dairy animals, as it boosts milk production significantly. This deep-rooted perennial thrives in well-drained soils and, once established, can produce for 4-8 years with minimal maintenance. Plant alfalfa in spring or fall and you’ll enjoy multiple cuttings throughout the growing season, maximizing your backyard’s productivity.

2. Comfrey

Comfrey deserves special attention in your backyard forage system due to its incredible nutrient value and regenerative abilities. Your livestock will benefit from its high protein content (18-30%) and abundant minerals like calcium and potassium. As a perennial that regrows quickly after harvesting, you can cut comfrey up to 5 times annually without replanting. Its deep taproot brings up nutrients from subsoil levels, making it essentially a natural fertilizer factory in your backyard.

3. Clover (Red and White)

Both red and white clover varieties offer exceptional nutrition for your backyard livestock. You’ll appreciate that these legumes fix nitrogen in your soil while providing 15-25% protein content to your animals. White clover works perfectly in grazing systems due to its low growth habit and persistence, while red clover produces more biomass for cutting and drying. Plant clover in early spring or fall, and expect a productive stand for 2-3 years with minimal input.

4. Kale and Collards

These brassica powerhouses can transform your fall and winter feeding programs. You’ll harvest impressive yields of 6-8 tons per acre of highly digestible, protein-rich forage (up to 20% protein) that thrives in cooler weather. Plant kale or collards in late summer for fall/winter feeding, providing your livestock fresh greens when other forages go dormant. Both crops tolerate light frosts, actually becoming sweeter after cold exposure, and can be cut multiple times before needing replanting.

5. Sunflowers

Sunflowers offer dual benefits in your backyard forage system: nutritious seeds and palatable stalks/leaves. You can grow them quickly (60-90 days) as a summer crop that provides shade for other forages while producing high-energy seeds containing 16-28% protein and valuable oils. Plant sunflowers in spring after frost danger passes, growing them in blocks or as borders. The whole plant can be chopped and fed to ruminants, while the seeds make exceptional feed for poultry and other livestock.

6. Forage Radish and Turnips

These fast-growing root crops revolutionize winter feeding strategies in small spaces. You’ll harvest both nutritious tops (15-20% protein) and energy-dense roots within 60 days of planting. Sow these crops in late summer for fall/winter feed, allowing your livestock to graze them directly when needed, reducing harvest labor. Both improve soil structure through their deep penetrating roots, making them excellent choices for breaking up compacted areas while feeding your animals.

7. Oats and Barley

As versatile cereal grains, oats and barley provide multiple feeding options from a single planting. You can graze the young growth (containing 12-15% protein), harvest mature plants for hay, or let them go to seed for grain production. Plant these cool-season annuals in early spring or late summer for extended production. They establish quickly, often ready for light grazing within 4-6 weeks, and work excellently as companion crops with legumes for balanced nutrition.

8. Mangels (Fodder Beets)

These impressive root crops produce massive yields in small spaces, with single roots often weighing 5-15 pounds. You’ll find mangels particularly valuable as winter feed, storing well for months after harvest while providing energy-rich nutrition. Plant them in spring in deeply prepared soil, harvest in fall before hard freezes, and store in cool, slightly humid conditions. Chop or slice before feeding to prevent choking, particularly with smaller livestock.

9. Jerusalem Artichokes

Jerusalem artichokes offer a truly perennial, low-maintenance forage option that returns year after year with minimal effort. You’ll appreciate their exceptional drought tolerance and ability to grow in poor soils where other crops struggle. Plant once in spring, and they’ll produce nutritious tubers and edible tops annually, with tubers containing inulin that supports digestive health in livestock. Harvest tubers throughout fall and winter as needed, leaving some to regrow the following spring.

10. Chicory

Forage chicory provides deep nutrition with its mineral-rich leaves and impressive drought tolerance. You’ll find it contains 15-20% protein along with higher levels of zinc, copper and boron than most forages. Plant this perennial in spring, and it will establish a deep taproot that accesses nutrients and moisture unavailable to shallow-rooted plants. Chicory remains vegetative and highly palatable throughout summer when other forages decline in quality, making it an excellent complement to your existing pasture mix.

Growing Alfalfa: The Queen of Forage Crops

Alfalfa truly deserves its royal title as the queen of forage crops for backyard livestock systems. This deep-rooted perennial legume offers exceptional nutritional value and impressive yields that can dramatically reduce your feed costs while improving animal health.

Optimal Growing Conditions for Alfalfa

Alfalfa thrives in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.8-7.5) with full sun exposure. It requires good drainage as wet feet will quickly kill plants. Plant in spring after frost danger passes in northern climates, or fall in southern regions. Alfalfa doesn’t tolerate competition well, so prepare a weed-free seedbed before planting for best establishment results.

Nutritional Benefits for Various Livestock

Alfalfa packs a nutritional punch with 15-22% crude protein content and high levels of calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, D, E, and K. For dairy goats and cows, it boosts milk production significantly. Chickens benefit from alfalfa’s xanthophyll, which enhances egg yolk color. For rabbits and pigs, it provides essential amino acids that promote healthy growth. Even horses thrive on properly cured alfalfa hay.

Cultivating Clover Varieties in Small Spaces

Red Clover vs. White Clover for Backyard Production

Red clover delivers exceptional protein content (15-18%) and produces more biomass, making it ideal for hay production and rotational grazing systems. It’s taller (18-24 inches) with a 2-3 year lifespan. White clover, meanwhile, grows shorter (4-8 inches), spreads through stolons creating dense ground cover, and survives heavy grazing pressure better. It’s perennial, persisting 3-5 years in favorable conditions and handles foot traffic well. Choose red for maximum yield or white for sustainable long-term pasture.

Establishing a Sustainable Clover Patch

Start your clover patch in early spring or fall when soil temperatures reach 50°F. First, test your soil pH—aim for 6.0-6.5—and amend accordingly with lime if too acidic. Prepare a weed-free seedbed by shallow tilling, then broadcast seeds at 1/4 inch depth (8 lbs/acre for red, 2-3 lbs/acre for white). For best establishment, keep soil consistently moist for 21 days after planting. Avoid grazing until plants reach 8-10 inches tall and establish rotational grazing to ensure patch longevity.

Maximizing Production with Fast-Growing Grasses

Ryegrass for Quick Yields

Ryegrass stands out as one of the fastest-establishing forage grasses you can grow in your backyard. Annual varieties can be ready for grazing in just 4-6 weeks after planting, producing up to 3-4 tons of dry matter per acre annually. You’ll appreciate its high digestibility (70-80%) and protein content (10-15%), making it ideal for dairy goats and cattle. Plant ryegrass in early fall or spring, ensuring soil temperatures are between 50-65°F for optimal germination, and expect multiple harvests through proper rotational grazing.

Orchardgrass for Shade Tolerance

Orchardgrass thrives where other grasses struggle, particularly in partially shaded areas under trees or along fence lines. This hardy perennial establishes within 60 days and yields 2-3 tons per acre annually when properly managed. You’ll find it particularly valuable for its extended growing season—greening up early in spring and remaining productive into late fall. Its deep root system improves drought tolerance, while its bunching growth habit creates perfect companionship with clover varieties for a balanced, nutrient-rich forage mix that livestock readily consume.

Raising Nutrient-Dense Comfrey for Animal Feed

Comfrey stands out as one of the most valuable perennial forage crops for backyard livestock owners due to its exceptional nutrient content and incredible growth rate. This deep-rooted plant can produce up to 4-6 tons of biomass per acre annually while mining nutrients from deep soil layers that other plants can’t reach.

Propagation Methods for Backyard Growers

Start your comfrey patch using root cuttings rather than seeds for faster establishment. Plant 2-3 inch root segments 2-3 inches deep in well-prepared soil during spring or fall. Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for their spreading habit. Bocking 14, a sterile cultivar, prevents unwanted spreading while producing abundant forage. Most plants establish fully within one growing season, requiring minimal maintenance after the first year.

Harvesting and Feeding Guidelines

Harvest comfrey when plants reach 18-24 inches tall, typically 4-5 times per growing season. Cut stems 2-3 inches above ground level using sharp shears or a sickle. Allow leaves to wilt for 12-24 hours before feeding to reduce oxalate content and improve palatability. Limit comfrey to 25-30% of total feed intake for most livestock. Feed fresh to chickens, rabbits, and pigs, or dry it for winter use with goats and cattle. The leaves contain 20-30% protein and exceptional levels of calcium, potassium, and vitamin A.

Utilizing Kale and Other Brassicas as Forage Crops

Brassicas represent some of the most versatile and nutritious forage options for your backyard livestock. These leafy powerhouses can produce impressive yields while providing exceptional nutritional benefits throughout multiple seasons.

Nutritional Benefits of Brassica Forages

Kale and other brassicas offer outstanding nutritional profiles for your livestock. These crops contain 20-25% protein content when harvested young, significantly higher than most traditional pasture options. The high energy content in brassicas (70-80% digestible nutrients) makes them ideal supplements during periods when other forages decline in quality. Your animals benefit from abundant calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins A and C, supporting everything from milk production to immune function. For small-scale operations, brassicas provide exceptional feed value per square foot, making them perfect for limited space situations.

Establishing Successful Brassica Plots

Starting successful brassica plots requires attention to timing and soil preparation. Plant kale, turnips, and radishes in late summer (6-8 weeks before first frost) for fall/winter grazing, or early spring for summer utilization. Prepare seedbeds by removing competing vegetation and ensuring soil pH between 6.0-6.8 for optimal growth. Broadcast seeds at 3-5 pounds per acre for kale and 2-4 pounds for turnips and radishes, followed by light raking. These crops respond well to nitrogen applications of 50-60 pounds per acre, especially on previously uncultivated land. For continuous production, stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks during the growing season.

Variety Selection for Different Livestock Types

Select brassica varieties based on your specific livestock needs. For ruminants like goats and sheep, ‘Premier’ kale and ‘Appin’ turnips provide excellent leaf-to-stem ratios with higher protein content. Chickens benefit from ‘Red Russian’ kale and ‘Purple Top’ turnips, which remain tender and palatable even as they mature. For pigs, consider ‘Dwarf Essex’ rape and ‘Daikon’ radishes, which offer both leafy tops and nutritious roots they can forage. Match plant growth habits to your animals’ grazing behavior—low-growing varieties for chickens and taller varieties for browsing animals like goats.

Winter-Hardy Varieties for Extended Grazing

Select ‘Siberian’ and ‘Winterbor’ kale varieties for exceptional cold tolerance, surviving temperatures as low as 10°F while maintaining nutritional quality. ‘Red Russian’ kale develops sweeter flavor after frost, increasing palatability during winter months. Plant these winter-hardy options by late summer to establish strong root systems before cold weather arrives. These varieties can provide valuable fresh forage when other options are unavailable, extending your grazing season by 45-60 days.

Managing Potential Digestive Issues in Livestock

Introduce brassicas gradually to prevent digestive upset, limiting initial access to 15-20 minutes daily before increasing over two weeks. Always provide dry hay alongside brassicas to maintain proper rumen function and prevent bloat in ruminants. Monitor animals for signs of hemolytic anemia, particularly in sheep, when brassicas exceed 50% of diet. Offer free-choice mineral supplements containing additional copper and iodine to offset potential mineral imbalances created by compounds in brassicas.

Creating a Backyard Fodder System for Year-Round Feed

Sprouting Techniques for Small Spaces

You don’t need acres of land to grow nutritious livestock feed. Sprouting grains in small spaces can produce fresh fodder year-round with minimal equipment. A simple rack system with plastic trays yields 6-8 pounds of fodder from just 1 pound of seeds in 7-10 days. Focus on consistent watering (2-3 times daily) and proper drainage to prevent mold. For maximum efficiency, create a staggered production schedule by starting new trays every 1-2 days.

High-Value Grains for Fodder Production

Barley tops the list for fodder production with its impressive 7:1 conversion ratio and 13-15% protein content when sprouted. Wheat offers similar yields plus beneficial enzymes that aid digestion. Sunflower seeds produce oil-rich sprouts ideal for poultry’s energy needs. Oats withstand cooler sprouting temperatures (55-65°F), making them perfect for unheated spaces during winter months. For rabbits and small ruminants, consider peas and lentils to boost protein levels in your fodder rotation.

Planting Sunflowers and Jerusalem Artichokes as Dual-Purpose Crops

Benefits Beyond Nutrition for Your Animals

Sunflowers and Jerusalem artichokes offer exceptional value beyond just feeding your livestock. Sunflowers provide natural shade for smaller crops and animals during summer months while their strong stalks can serve as natural trellises for climbing plants. Jerusalem artichokes create effective windbreaks and privacy screens, reaching heights of 7-10 feet when fully grown. Both crops support beneficial insects and pollinators, enhancing your farm’s biodiversity. Their extensive root systems also improve soil structure and reduce erosion on slopes or areas prone to water runoff.

Cultivation Tips for Maximum Yield

Plant sunflowers in full sun locations with well-draining soil after the last frost date. Space rows 24-36 inches apart with seeds sown 6 inches apart and thinned to 12 inches for optimal growth. For Jerusalem artichokes, plant tubers 4-6 inches deep in spring, spacing them 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Harvest sunflower heads when backs turn yellow-brown and seeds are plump. Dig Jerusalem artichoke tubers after first frost for improved flavor, leaving some for next year’s crop. Both plants thrive with minimal fertilization but benefit from compost amendments at planting time.

Incorporating Legumes for Soil Health and Animal Nutrition

Vetch and Field Peas for Nitrogen Fixation

Vetch and field peas are powerful nitrogen-fixing legumes that can transform your backyard livestock system. Hairy vetch can fix up to 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre, creating free fertilizer while providing 18-25% protein forage for animals. Field peas establish quickly, often ready for grazing in 60-75 days, and thrive in cooler temperatures. Both crops reduce the need for commercial fertilizers while offering dense, nutritious biomass that chickens, rabbits, and ruminants readily consume.

Proper Inoculation for Backyard Success

Inoculating legume seeds with the correct rhizobium bacteria is crucial for maximizing nitrogen fixation in your backyard forage system. Purchase crop-specific inoculant powder and mix with seeds just before planting for best results. One packet typically treats 50 pounds of seed at minimal cost ($5-10). Without proper inoculation, legumes may establish but fail to fix significant nitrogen, reducing both soil benefits and protein content by up to 30% compared to properly inoculated crops.

Establishing Perennial Forage Systems for Low Maintenance

Designing Multi-Species Plantings

Multi-species perennial plantings maximize your backyard forage system’s productivity while minimizing maintenance. Combine deep-rooted plants like chicory with medium-rooted red clover and shallow-rooted white clover to access nutrients at different soil depths. This layered approach creates a resilient system that withstands drought, crowds out weeds, and provides nutritional diversity. Aim for 3-5 complementary species that mature at different times, ensuring continuous forage availability throughout the growing season.

Rotational Grazing in Limited Spaces

Even in small backyards, you can implement rotational grazing using portable electric netting or movable panels to create 3-4 paddocks. This system allows plants to recover fully between grazings, increasing your yield by up to 30% compared to continuous grazing. Move animals when vegetation height reaches about 4 inches, preventing overgrazing and soil compaction. For tiny spaces, consider a “strip grazing” approach using a single movable fence line that advances daily across your forage area.

Planning Your Backyard Forage Calendar for Year-Round Production

Growing backyard forage crops transforms your property into a sustainable feed source while enhancing your livestock’s nutrition and your bottom line. By selecting diverse crops like protein-rich alfalfa fast-growing grasses and nutrient-dense brassicas you’re creating a resilient system that works with nature rather than against it.

Your livestock will benefit from fresher more nutritious feed and you’ll gain greater self-sufficiency in your farming operation. The beauty of these systems is their scalability—whether you have a small urban lot or several acres these principles apply equally well.

Start small experiment with a few crops and expand as you gain confidence. The path to sustainable livestock feeding begins with that first seed. Your animals and your wallet will thank you for taking this step toward greater farm independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are backyard forage crops?

Backyard forage crops are plants grown in home gardens or small plots specifically to feed livestock. These crops transform unused space into valuable feeding grounds, providing fresh, nutritious, and chemical-free feed options for animals while reducing dependency on purchased commercial feeds.

Which forage crop has the highest protein content?

Alfalfa, often called the “queen of forage crops,” offers exceptional protein content (15-22%) along with essential vitamins and minerals. Comfrey is another high-protein option, containing 20-30% protein. Brassicas like kale can reach 20-25% protein content, making these three among the highest protein forage options for livestock.

How quickly can I start harvesting ryegrass after planting?

Ryegrass is one of the fastest-establishing forages, ready for grazing in just 4-6 weeks after planting. This quick turnaround makes it ideal for those needing rapid feed production. It offers high digestibility and protein content, making it particularly valuable for dairy animals.

Can I grow forage crops in partial shade?

Yes, some forage crops thrive in partial shade. Orchardgrass is especially well-suited for partially shaded areas, maintaining good productivity where other grasses might struggle. Comfrey also tolerates partial shade, while clover varieties can adapt to moderate shade conditions, though yield may be somewhat reduced compared to full-sun locations.

How do I establish clover as a forage crop?

Start by testing your soil and adjusting pH to 6.0-7.0. Prepare a fine, firm seedbed and broadcast red or white clover seeds at recommended rates (5-10 lbs/acre for red, 2-4 lbs/acre for white). Lightly rake seeds into the soil surface and ensure consistent moisture during establishment. Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria for optimal nitrogen fixation.

What is a fodder system and how does it work?

A fodder system is a method of sprouting grains to produce fresh feed in small spaces year-round. Seeds are spread on trays with proper drainage, watered consistently, and harvested after 7-10 days when they’ve formed a mat of sprouts. One pound of seeds typically yields 6-8 pounds of fresh fodder, providing high-nutrition feed with minimal space requirements.

Which forage crops improve soil health?

Legumes like alfalfa, clover, vetch, and field peas significantly improve soil health by fixing nitrogen from the air into the soil. Forage radishes and turnips break up compacted soil with their deep taproots. Comfrey accumulates nutrients from deep soil layers, and when leaves decompose, they return these nutrients to the topsoil.

How can I extend my forage growing season?

Plant a diverse mix of cool and warm-season crops. Winter-hardy brassicas like kale and certain turnip varieties can extend grazing into colder months. Implement a fodder system for year-round production regardless of outdoor conditions. Use succession planting by staggering planting dates to ensure continuous forage availability throughout the growing season.

What’s the most space-efficient forage crop for small areas?

Fodder sprouting systems offer the highest yield per square foot, producing 6-8 pounds of feed from 1 pound of seed in just 7-10 days on stackable shelves. For outdoor growing, comfrey produces substantial biomass (4-6 tons per acre annually) in limited space, while fast-growing brassicas provide high yields in small areas.

How do I prevent digestive issues when feeding brassicas to livestock?

Introduce brassicas gradually into livestock diets, starting with short grazing periods (30 minutes) and slowly increasing over 7-10 days. Limit brassicas to no more than 50% of the total diet. Always ensure animals have access to hay or dry forage alongside brassicas, which helps prevent bloat and other digestive disturbances.