Grazing and Grazing Management

Positive Impacts Proper management – Reduced erosion – Improved water quality – Food for wildlife – Habitat and cover for wildlife Increased wildlife populations NRCS photo

Positive Impacts Rotational Grazing – Stronger, thicker grass stand Crowd out undesirable weeds Less soil erosion Improved water quality – Removal of deteriorating vegetation – Increase of diversity through increase forbs NRCS photo

Positive Impacts Improved Forages – Small mammal & upland game birds Energy-rich seeds Vegetation Cover Forbs Grasshoppers

Positive Impacts Improved Habitat – Grazing – patchy, mosaic pattern Feeding, nesting, and hiding sites Encouraged establishment of shrubs – Ground squirrels and small rodents Birds of prey – Selective grazing Create travel corridors Remove rank grass NRCS photo

Potential Negative Impacts Improper Grazing – Reduced nest sites for upland game and waterfowl – Decreased water quality – Trampled nests for waterfowl – Disturbed big game during fawning – Reduced cover that permits wildlife to hide from predators

Potential Negative Impacts, Cont. Improper Grazing, continued – Reduced biomass of desirable wildlife forage – Increased noxious weed populations – Decreased vegetative diversity for bird, mammal, and insect communities – Increased attraction of predators – Potential spread of parasites or disease

Key Elements - Grazing Management Each operation is UNIQUE Key elements Root Growth – Overgrazing – 50% or more of plant is removed

“Squeezing More – Means Less” % Grass Plan Removed% Root Growth 10%0% 20%0% 30%0% 40%0% 50%2-4% 60%50% 70%78% 80%100% 90%100%

Best Management Practices Subdivide large pastures into smaller pastures Rotation Corral – hay 50% of grass has been eaten Winter – continue pasture rotation

Best Management Practices Long rest periods or High-intensity, short- duration Water source Irrigate after grazing Do not graze on wet soils. NRCS photos

Best Management Practices Grazing Schedule – Depends upon Climate Moisture Provide Water – Both wildlife and livestock benefit – Divide into small pastures