Grazing Strategies Improve Soil and Forage Quality

By Scout Nelson

As cooler weather arrives, North Dakota ranchers are considering ways to extend their grazing season. According to North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension specialists, longer grazing can reduce winter feed costs and improve soil health.

Extended season grazing systems allow ranchers to use pastures well into fall or winter. These systems not only lower costs but also recycle nutrients naturally, improving forage quality over time. Options include grazing annual forages, swath grazing, and bale grazing.

“It is critical to select an approach that works as part of your production system,” says Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension rangeland management specialist.

Annual forages are often used in fall or early spring. For late grazing, mixtures should include cereal grains or grasses high in fiber along with brassicas, which maintain quality after frost. However, ranchers should test for nitrate or prussic acid risks when grazing sorghum or sudangrass species.

Swath grazing helps maintain quality by swathing forages in late summer and then grazing them later. Bale grazing uses baled hay placed on pasture, hay fields, or cropland. Both methods can extend grazing but may increase feed waste if not carefully managed.

“Supplementation may be required as annual forages mature and lose quality,” notes Miranda Meehan, NDSU Extension livestock environmental stewardship specialist. Strip grazing can help by limiting animal access, reducing waste, and lengthening grazing days. Studies show it can boost stocking rates by nearly 47% in Nebraska and 23% in North Dakota.

Nutrient cycling is another benefit. Bale grazing, in particular, raises soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels after one season. When cattle are supplemented with higher protein, soil nitrogen improves even more, which enhances forage protein and digestibility.

Long-term research also shows that extended grazing systems can increase soil carbon and phosphorus, leading to healthier pastures and better crop yields.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix