Crimson clover grows rapidly in early spring and furnishes an abundance of early grazing (fig. 5). If planted early and an abundant fall growth is made, the clover may also be grazed during the fall and winter months. Such a practice has been successfully followed in Tennessee, where crimson clover has provided the winter pasturage. The grazing, however, should be restricted to periods when the soil is relatively dry, otherwise damage may result from trampling. Animals grazing on crimson clover seldom bloat; however, it is advisable not to turn them into clover fields for the first time when they are hungry. Bloat is less likely to occur when a mixture of clover and grass or grain is grazed than when the clover alone is grazed. As crimson clover reaches maturity the hairs of the heads and stems become hard and tough. When grazed continuously or when fed as hay at this stage of maturity large masses of the hairs are liable to form into hair balls in stomachs of horses and mules. Occasionally the hair balls are responsible for the death of animals. If small amounts of other feeds, particularly roughages, are fed along with the clover, the formation of these balls will be reduced. Cattle, sheep, and swine do not seem to be affected.

Crimson clover makes excellent hay when cut at the early bloom stage although the yield may be slightly reduced. For maximum yields it should be harvested in full bloom. The hay is easily cured either in the swath or in the windrow. Fewer leaves are lost and less bleaching occurs in windrowed hay. Although yields as high as 2½ tons per acre are not uncommon on fertile soil, 1½ to 2 tons is an ordinary production.

Crimson clover is an ideal green-manure crop. For the best result it should be plowed under 2 to 3 weeks before planting the succeeding crop. This gives sufficient time for decomposition, which is rapid unless the crop is mature when plowed under. Occasionally, strips are plowed in which row crops are planted, allowing the clover between the plowed strips to mature. Seed may be harvested by hand from the clover between the row crop, and the remaining clover straw allowed to mat and serve as a mulch, or the entire plant may be permitted to form a mulch. A volunteer seeding may be secured in this way, especially in the northern part of this region, but attempts to follow such a practice should be tried on a small scale until experience is gained. When used in orchards, crimson clover is often allowed to mature, after which it is disked into the soil. Occasionally a volunteer seeding may be obtained in the fall.