As ranchers prepare for winter cowherd care, North Dakota State University Extension specialists offer valuable insights into the benefits of bale grazing. The first cutting of hay is completed, and now it's time to move the bales from the field to the storage lot for the coming winter feeding.
Setting up areas for bale grazing during this bale transport period can save time and machinery costs. The concept of bale grazing is straightforward: arrange the bales in a grid pattern in the feeding area and use electric fencing to allow access for two to three days of feeding. As cattle feed on the bales, the electric fence can be moved across the grazing area, providing them with fresh bales for continued self-feeding.
Bale grazing offers several benefits. It reduces manure handling, adds nutrients and organic material to the soil, and allows cattle to self-feed, reducing daily feeding labor. To ensure successful bale grazing, ranchers should consider the following points:
Determine the number of bales needed based on nutritional demand, herd size, and desired grazing period.
Forage tests each hay lot to allocate hay based on nutrient content and nutritional demand. Stage bales are based on quality, reserving higher-quality hay for cows in late gestation or early lactation.
Choose the bale grazing area carefully to maximize nutrient distribution. Perennial pasture areas with sod-forming grasses are preferable to bunch-type grasses. Avoid areas where excess nutrients could flow into streams and ponds.
Use multiple locations for bale grazing over time to reduce nutrient concentration in one area. Monitor soil fertility changes through soil testing.
Be mindful of weed seed contamination in hay bales. Set up bales where all cattle can access them easily and equally.
Provide proper fencing and water access. Electric fencing works well for bale grazing, but ensure cattle are familiar with it before turning them onto the grazing area.
Address bale twine and wrap challenges by using sisal twine that deteriorates over time. For polypropylene and net-wraps, consider setting bales on end and removing wrapping as needed.
By following these guidelines, ranchers can optimize bale grazing to prepare their cowherds for the winter season effectively. This method proves to be a cost-effective and efficient way to ensure cattle have adequate feed while reducing labor and improving soil health.
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Categories: North Dakota, Livestock