Rye does indeed grow better in Jan. (the coldest month) than most of the other winter annuals. Just when they need it.

The best growing clover in the coldest winter months (that I have found) is "AU Robin", a crimson clover.

One of the most important factors in choosing food plot seed (for me) is how it grows in the coldest months because the youngest tender forage is what deer usually go for.

I have screwed up in the past and planted food plots too early, the plants grew too much before the cold months started and they hardly ate that forage.