1. Forage Management Unit for Adults Lesson 5: Management of Grazing Systems

2. Direction and Purpose to: Understand the benefits of various grazing systems Understand the steps necessary for proper implementation

3. Grazing Systems Compare and contrast various grazing management systems Short duration grazing Rotational grazing Management Intensive Grazing (MIG)

4. Management Strategies Challenges more time required at initial setup more initial cost incurred Opportunities can produce more livestock on same acreage can produce higher quality forage Variety of plant species is key to a successful grazing system.

5. Evaluation of Pasture Condition Use Grazier’s ArithmeticGrazier’s Arithmetic Use Rules of ThumbRules of Thumb Follow Words of WisdomWords of Wisdom Understand the Keys to Successful GrazingKeys to Successful Grazing

6. Stocking Rates & Rotations Grazing distribution Number of head of livestock Length of time in paddocks Number of paddocks needed for particular number & class of livestock

7. Fencing Systems Plan system for intensive grazing Estimate costs Select wire fencing materials Construction of fence Shock collars for cattle???

8. Watering Systems All-weather concrete stock tank Mira-Founts Ponds Streams

9. Livestock Nutritional Considerations Net Energy Availability Mineral Supplementation Peak Nutritional Needs

10. Cow Nutritional Needs Cool Season forage growth Warm Season forage growth

11. Improving Pasture Stand Yield & Quality Plant diversity Fertility Management Mechanical Methods Dragging Pastures Brushcutting

12. Government Aid Available Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC)

13. Conclusions Be familiar with various types of grazing systems Be aware of benefits from each grazing system Understand management strategies for forages and livestock

14. continued… Be familiar with the various fencing and watering requirements with each grazing system Understand government programs available for aid in establishment of grazing systems