Grazing

Grazing management, such as rotational or prescribed grazing, extends the amount of time that livestock can meet their needs through grazing and reduces the need for harvested feedstuffs. This will lower feed costs and add to profitability. A well-managed rotational grazing system can also reduce or eliminate the need for other labor-intensive or purchased inputs such as nitrogen fertilizer and weed and brush control. A rotational system provides an opportunity for forage plants to rest so they can regrow more quickly. The result is improved pasture condition and higher forage yields which can lead to more animal production per pasture acre. A good rotational grazing plan also protects sensitive areas that have a high potential to generate or transport unwanted materials towards ground or surface water.

Go to this link for a Grazing Systems Planning guide:

There may be some additional expenses with prescribed grazing along with changes in your pasture layout. The Stearns County SWCD, partnering with the NRCS, can help producers with technical assistance and funding for this practice. Financial assistance may be available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) which is administered by the NRCS. Eligible components include: permanent fencing, pipeline, tanks, travel lanes, and seedings. It all starts with a field visit to develop the Prescribed Grazing Plan.

For more information, or if you want to schedule an appointment, contact: