Grazing Management

Season-Long Grazing One large pasture Pasture is grazed all summer long Same pattern every year

Seasonal Grazing Pastures are grazed at a specific time during the grazing season Same pattern every year

Deferred Rotation Grazing One or more Pastures will not be grazed until the key range plants have completed most of their annual growth and seed has shattered Must have pastures with seasonal plants

Rest Rotation Grazing Pastures are grazed with a year long rest built into the plan Cycle is repeated Ex: 4 pastures –graze 3 –rest one –alternate the pasture that rests

Time Controlled Grazing Minimum of 7 pastures When vegetation is Growing Fast, livestock are rotated through pastures fast Usually moved every 2-5 days Do NOT regraze for about 30 days Plants are growing slow, move livestock slowly Move every 4-10 days Do Not regraze for about 60 days

Benefits of Grazing Plans Reduce erosion Improve water quality Increase forage production $$$$ Improve range condition Allow maximum vigor of key plants Allows seed production of key plants Allows seedling establishment of key plants Improves efficiency

Benefits of Grazing Plans Insures a supply of forage throughout the growing season Increases grazing capacity Allows for flexibility Enhances wildlife habitat

Range Improvement

Vegetative Management Practices Degree of Utilization Deferred Grazing Planned Grazing System

Accelerating Practices Brush and Weed Control –Chemical –Mechanical –Biological Mechanical Treatment –Interseeding –Furrowing –Terracing –Ripping/Chiseling Prescribed Burning Fertilizing Seeding

Facilitating Practices Water Developments –Springs –Dams/Dugouts –Wells –Pipelines Cross Fencing –Conventional Barbed –Suspension –Power Salting Plan Stock Trails Herding