One of the special advantages of sweet clover is that it produces good
pasturage somewhat earlier in the spring than most forage crops. In
the North, with the exception of the extreme northern portion of the
United States, it will furnish a cutting of hay in June or excellent
pasturage until that time and a crop of hay or seed in late summer. In
the South two cuttings of hay and a seed crop may be harvested. After
maturing seed the plants die. It is a common practice in many sections
to pasture the crop until about June 10, when the stock is removed and
the plants are permitted to mature seed. If the plants have not been
grazed closely they should be clipped at this time, so that the seed
crop will ripen more evenly. Sweet clover may be pastured during the
entire second season's growth, provided sufficient stock is kept on the
field to prevent the growth from becoming woody. If the plants become
coarse the pasture may be clipped, leaving an 8-inch stubble, so as to
induce a new growth which will be more palatable. If it is desired to
have the pasture reseed itself stock should be removed at least eight
weeks before heavy frosts are expected, or only sufficient stock should
be permitted to remain on the pasture to keep some of the plants in
check.