In order to reduce the problems from overlapping between rye harvest and maize seeding dates, and also to improve the growth, productivity and nutritive value of rye (Secale cereale L.), an experiment was carried out to determine the variety effect of rye on the forage production system, and seeding date effect on the yield and quality of rye. The experiment was conducted in the forage testing field of S.N.U., Suweon, from September 1988 to May 1989. The dry matter and in vitro digestible dry matter yields of rye harvested 14 April were 5.2 t and 4.6 t/ha with an early maturing rye variety, Winter more, but 3.1 t and 2.8 t/ha were obtained with a late maturing rye variety, Kodiak. When seeding date was delayed, a significant decrease in dry matter yield was observed. ADF and NDF contents, and IVDMD of an early maturing rye, Winter more, harvested 14 April were 25.6, 44.8 and 81.9 %, but those of a late maturing rye, Kodiak, were 21.1, 39.5 and 88.9 %, respectively. ADF and NDF contents of rye were increased as the seeding date was delayed, but ail forage ryes from different seeding dates as well as varieties were recorded as the 1st grade proposed by market hay grades. The dry matter and in vitro digestible dry matter yields of rye harvested at 80 %heading stage were significantly decreased as delayed seeding date, but no significant differences were found between early and late maturing varieties. No differences in ADF and NDF contents, and IVDMD of the rye harvested at 80% heading stage were found among the treatments, but all forage ryes were evaluated as the 4 th grade proposed by market hay grades.