Pisum sativum

Forage peas are a valuable source of forage protein. They are highly palatable with good digestibility. Peas are a suitable grazing alternative in the late summer when grass is in short supply. Forage peas are often used in Europe and other temperate areas such as north-central US to increase forage yield and/or improve the nutritional quality of the forage. They can also be grown at higher altitudes in the tropics and as a cool-season winter crop in some regions where maize or soybeans would be the summer crop. They are an excellent choice for the organic farmer looking to supply a bulky, protein-rich forage for their livestock.

With good establishment, peas grow rapidly creating a dense canopy and they will out-compete most weeds. Peas are a short-lived crop, requiring only a 10-14 week growing season to reach harvest. They can be included anywhere in a rotation, presuming time is avaiable. There may be a chance of double cropping in some regions with ideal growing conditions. Peas mixed with barley or oat can be used to help establish ryegrass, alfalfa, red clover and other perennial forage crops. This popular practice allows the production of high protein forage during otherwise unproductive periods. This mixture will also help to suppress weeds in the undersown crop.