Corn and milo residue can serve many purposes on cow/calf operations in South Dakota. The combination of dropped ears, grain, husks, and leaves provide an adequate ration for spring calving cows and can be managed to maintain body condition or even add weight with supplementation.
Make sure there are no large amounts of grain left in the field to cause condition problems for the cattle. Make sure that there is adequate water supply.
Managing residue grazing should always start with a walk through the field to identify any spills or large amounts of grain that need to be removed prior to grazing in order to decrease the risk of rumen upset.
The last few years we have utilized fall cover crops for supplemental grazing. Fall cover crops for grazing work best following wheat harvest, oat harvest or an idled field. Depending on the species planted, you usually need 70-120 days of growth before temperatures drop into the low 20s. Plantings made from late July to mid-August turn out the best.
We use a combination of turnip, radish, rapeseed, clover, and other grain grasses. To reduce the risk of bloat, make sure livestock has a full stomach before turning them onto a new type of pasture and provide access to hay.