When alfalfa or hay stands need to be enhanced or rotated out, there are several options to keep in mind. How quickly forage will be needed is usually a deciding factor. 

One of the quickest growing forages is a small grain paired with forage peas. This option can be planted as soon as field conditions allow in April/May and are usually ready for harvest in 60-90 days, depending on tonnage and/or quality requirements. 

Remember, when optimum quality is needed, small grains should be harvested at late boot stage, whereas heifers/dry cows/beef cattle can tolerate a later cutting, around soft dough stage. Peas mixed with spring barley or spring triticale is quite common, however oats are peas are undoubtedly the most widely used combination.

Adding a legume like forage peas to oats increases protein, makes the mix more palatable, and provides a higher quality silage than small grains alone. Partner Pea/Oat Mix is a 50/50 formulation, normally planted in spring, but suited for fall as well. Partner Pea/Oat Mix needs about 60-65 days from emergence to harvest (in boot stage). At lower rates, it can be used as a nurse crop for forage/hay seedlings. This mix can even tolerate a late spring frost once established.