Late season scalping

[frank.the.dad]

I had planned to cut and bale the field myself this fall, keeping the stubble at about 4 inches like usual to protect it through winter but unfortunately, the landowner had a different idea and went over it with a riding mower, scalping it right down, not exactly part of the plan. At this point, there’s nothing to do but wait for spring, but I can’t help wondering how much damage might have been done cos I know a lot will depend on the winter temperatures and whether we get a decent blanket of snow to protect what’s left, but I’m hoping it’s not as bad as I’m imagining.
Has anyone here dealt with a similar situation? if yes, how did your fields bounce back after a too short cut going into winter?

 

[Vesp3r]

@frank.the.dad
Been there, done that, though mine was a hired hand being overzealous! It feels like a disaster, but it's not always terminal.
you mentioned it yourself that snow is your best friend right now. If you get a decent, consistent snow blanket, it acts like a perfect insulator. A rough, dry, freezing winter is the worst-case scenario.

you might see spotty regrowth next spring. The scalped areas will likely be slower to green up and the yield on your first cutting will definitely be down, maybe 25-50% in the worst spots. Don't panic, but start saving a little cash for reseeding next fall if the damage is severe.

 

[Hay_den]

Most fields bounce back surprisingly well in spring, though you might see a bit slower growth or patchiness at first but worst case, you’ll have to adjust your spring management a little, but it rarely kills the stand outright

 

[Saz3rac]

I had planned to cut and bale the field myself this fall, keeping the stubble at about 4 inches like usual to protect it through winter but unfortunately, the landowner had a different idea and went over it with a riding mower, scalping it right down, not exactly part of the plan. At this point, there’s nothing to do but wait for spring, but I can’t help wondering how much damage might have been done cos I know a lot will depend on the winter temperatures and whether we get a decent blanket of snow to protect what’s left, but I’m hoping it’s not as bad as I’m imagining.
Has anyone here dealt with a similar situation? if yes, how did your fields bounce back after a too short cut going into winter?

yeah, this is a scary but not always fatal situation. The worst case scenario is always a harsh, freeze thaw winter with no snow cover.
just often monitor the crown heaving. once the ground freezes and thaws (especially in spring), keep an eye out for frost heaving.
The lack of stubble protection makes the plant crowns (where all the new growth starts) more susceptible to being pushed out of the soil. If you see signs of crowns lifting, you've got serious winterkill