Considerations when grazing cover crops

This year, many livestock farms will be introducing Ecological Focus Areas (EFAs) for the first time. Green cover crops improve biodiversity, soil structure, fertility and an opportunity for sheep farmers to utilise the crop as a valuable winter feed source. Under the current 2026 greening rules this cover crop must be established before 1 November and maintained until 31 December. Mixtures must include two or more of the following species: alfalfa, barley, alsike clover, balansa clover, crimson clover, red clover, persian clover, white clover, buckwheat, mustard, oats, phacelia, radish, rye, triticale, vetch, kale, forage rape, stubble turnip and beans.  

However, some considerations must be made if looking to grazing cover crops including:  

• Consider run off risk while grazing, sheep may be more suitable than cattle, particularly if grazing heavy soils. 
• Transition stock gradually when changing diet to avoid issues with bloat. Also, introduce stock while full to reduce the chance of gorging. 
• Provide additional forage or a grass run back area where possible to avoid nutritional challenges to supplement at least 30% of dry matter. 
• For best utilisation and allocation, block or strip grazing should be considered with regular moves. Back fencing may also be a consideration to reduce compaction.  
• If providing mineral blocks or forage in a ring feeder these should also be moved regularly to avoid areas of heavy traffic.  
• Do not let the land cover become bare earth or poached, as the objective of the option is to prevent run-off and build fertility and organic matter in the soil. 
• Remember to provide access to clean running water.  
• Ensure sheep are up to date with their clostridial vaccines before grazing cover crops.  

There are some additional considerations to be made depending on species included in the cover crop mix. Please see below table for further guidance. 

Lorna Shaw, Senior Beef and Sheep Nutritionist, Lorna.Shaw@sac.co.uk

Posted by SAC Consulting on 18/08/2026