Rob -

If you are looking at the cheapest, most useful plot in the winter - I' d have to go with a fall planted cereal grain like Rye, Buck Forage Oats, or Winter Wheat. Rarely do you need to adjust the soil for Ph, It will grow well, even in poor soil, if you can afford a little fertilizer - the effects are immediate and not that expensive.

One problem in the NE is that snows greater than 1 -2 ft can make them useless. Still, even in heavy snow areas like mine, Rye is excellent in most Oct, Nov, and part of Dec. - More important - its still green and nutritious in March when the snows receed.

The biggest problem with grains is they offer nothing June-Sept. If your looking at a year round plot - clover is best for the $$.

If money was not a concern.............Grain & clover for fall, Clover & Corn for deep winter, Grain & clover for spring, and Soybeans, Alfalfa, & Clover for summer. In all seasons a browse enhancement program would also be in place.



Just my thoughts