Frost seeding is the broadcasting of seed onto the frozen surface of the soil. The freezing and thawing cycle of the soil surface will allow for the seed to work into the top 1/4 inch of soil. With the seed in place, it can germinate and begin growing as soon as weather conditions become favorable.

The folks at Grassland Oregon say a new option for better hay is cold-tolerant Frosty berseem clover. Frosty has been shown to increase yields up to 20%, increase protein by 12%, RFV by 11% and profits by up to 25%. Frosty is excellent for frost seeding into declining alfalfa stands as it is not affected by alfalfa’s allelopathy. Frosty berseem clover is the most cold-tolerant berseem clover available on the market today.

One grower in South Idaho stepped outside his comfort zone and decide to give Frosty berseem clover a try. Justin Place of Place Farms in Homer, Idaho (photo credit) acted on an advertising card sent to him last year and planted Frosty berseem on 132 ac. to help break his grass on grass rotation cycle. Here’s what he had to say about his experience.