Ideally, rotating between annual pastures and crops would provide the best scenario for productivity. Growing an annual crop helps remove both broadleaf and grass weeds that have strong root systems (like quackgrass), destroys mole runs, breaks down the compacted sod, and allows the preparation of a good seedbed.

An alternative method is to use a glyphosate burndown and till the pasture in the late fall and leave tilled over the winter. Then work a new seedbed in the spring by rotovation, discing, or plowing, followed by dragging into a smooth, firm seedbed. It is important that all past plants be buried so they don't re-grow.

Seeding in early spring (in the northern US, or fall for Southern US of cool-season grasses) offers the greatest opportunity for successful renovation. Later plantings are likely to suffer during summer droughts because they don't have the root structure to survive.Also, bacterial nodulation of legumes slows when plants are under moisture stress and weeds become more competitive. If you must plant during the summer, make sure to irrigate sufficiently in order to establish plant growth.

Planting in early fall can also be successful, depending on moisture levels and temperatures. It is important the seedling is established 45-60 days before temperatures drop to freezing so plants can get an adequate root system established.

Seed needs to have good soil contact. This can best be accomplished by using a drill to plant. Broadcast seeding in not recommended because it does not ensure soil contact nor seed placement. If broadcast seeding is the only option, follow with a drag, cultipacker, rack, bed spring or log to push seed into the top 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the soil.