The soil should be tilled to incorporate lime and fertilizers, destroy weeds and other vegetation, and prepare a level,firm seedbed. Ridges and depressions should be reduced to a minimum to make it easier for harvest machinery to operate. Don’t forget, this stand may be in the field for several years, so it is worth the extra effort to get the soil surface smooth. No-till or minimum tillage techniques can be used to establish most forage crops.