The objective of experiment was to investigate the effects of sowing dates on forage yield and growth characteristics of rye in paddy field cultivation in midwest region of Korea. The field experiment treated with 5 levels of sowing dates was carried out at Yesan from october 1990 to june 1991. The field emergence rate and winter survival rate were decreased with delay in sowing dates by the days from sowing to emergence were took a long period of time. The crop growth rate were increased with early in sowing date. The fresh and dry weight of rye were increased with early in sowing date, but there was no significant differences between sowing date from Oct. 5 to Oct. 25. The highest fresh yield was obtained at flowering stage and the highest dry yield was obtained at milky stage. The ratio of leaf blade and leaf sheath in rye plant were decreased with earlier sowing date and delayed harvest, but the ratio of stem and inflorescence was vice versa.