Rotational Grazing
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Rotating Pastures
Moving livestock from one area of a pasture to another to give each area a rest in order to maintain high quality forage.
Description
The pasture is divided into tow or more areas or paddocks with fencing. Livestock are moved from paddock to paddock on a planned schedule based on forage availability and nutritional needs. Livestock are not allowed to graze plants below a specific height. Allowing paddocks to rest and recover until the next grazing rotation maintains a vigorous plant community and high quality forage.
Benefits
- Improves vegetative cover, protects soil from erosion, and improves water quality.
- helps ensure high quality forage throughout the grazing season.
- Distributes manure more evenly.
- Improves habitat for birds and wildlife.
Planning
- Is water available in all pastures?
- Is additional fencing needed?
- Are current forages adequate for the stocking rates and grazing system?
- Does forage quality meet the nutritional needs of livestock?
- How will adjustments be made for periods of low forage production, such as droughts?
Tech Notes
- Work with our office to develop a rotational grazing plan.
- Plan the rotation so that the same paddocks are not grazed at the same time, year after year.
- Plan rest periods so that paddocks have enough time to recover from grazing.
- Know the proper grazing heights for forages in the grazing system.
Maintenance
- Check fences regularly and make repairs.
- Mow or harvest paddocks during periods of fast growth.
- Remove portable water systems in winter and reinstall in spring.
- Adjust the rotation schedule to match plant growth.
- Apply lime and fertilizer based on nutrient management plan recommendations.
- Control weeds.