Grazing Basics Central Wisconsin Grazing Meetings March 2008 Craig Saxe UW-Extension, Juneau Co. 211 Hickory Street Mauston WI 53948 (608) 847-9329 craig.saxe@ces.uwex.edu

We’ll be covering What is rotational grazing Why use rotational grazing Understanding plant growth Setting up a grazing system Fencing, watering and frost seeding Grazing tips Here are the items we will be covering in this presentation

Understanding Plant Growth

Remember that plant roots stay strong and healthy when grazing periods are short and rest or recovery periods are long. When grazing periods are long and rest/recovery periods are short, root systems begin to suffer. When grazing periods are continuous and rest/recovery periods are nonexistent, root and plant vigor decreases drastically. This can lead to less forage production over time, increased susceptibility to weed invasion, and possible soil erosion due to open spaces between plants. Deitz, NRCS

Each year 30 percent of each grass plant’s root system must be replaced. The plant needs to replace this 30 percent loss each year plus try to expand the existing root system. Constant removal of vegetative growth from the surface greatly impairs the ability of the plant to replace the root system loss, let alone expand the root system. Continual removal of the vegetation from the forage plants without rest significantly damages the health of the root system, allows weed growth to occur and endangers the pastures ability to be a “sustainable” resource. This process is known as “overgrazing” your forage plants. Graphic adapted from Grass:The Stockman’s Crop by H. E. Deitz. Deitz, NRCS

Forage Growth Curve Quality Yield Best time to graze Stage of maturity greatly influences forage quality and availability of nutrients. Freshly grazed photo synthesis low depletion of energy reserves slow growth Lush vegetative growth photosynthesis high renewal of energy reserves rapid growth Flowering and seeding photosynthesis reduced due to shading energy diverted to flower and seed production

Seasonal growth patterns in forages

Monthly forage production in 2-acre grass and grass-legume pastures animal need A 2-acre pasture needs to produce at least 900 lb of forage per month to feed one 1000-lb horse (this study was done on horses); feed must be supplemented when production falls below that level. If you don’t want to make hay during periods of rapid forage growth, move animals faster animals will top the paddocks, grazing the best forage and wasting the lower quality forage Clip pastures if needed during the growing season Work to Achieve a 50-50 Mix Of Grasses and Legumes Grass Pasture Grass-Legume Pasture

Setting up a Grazing System

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/teamforage/index.html

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cwas/