Optimizing grazing management for pasture health

By Scout Nelson

Knowing the dominant grass species in your pastures and rangelands is crucial for optimal grazing management. Different grasses have varying growth patterns and nutritional content, requiring adjustments in grazing schedules.

Native grasslands often contain a mix of cool-season and warm-season grasses, impacting their readiness for grazing.

Pastures in northern regions typically consist of cool-season grasses that mature faster in spring, allowing earlier grazing. Regardless of grass type, grazing before plants reach maturity reduces forage production significantly. This can decrease your ranch's carrying capacity, meaning fewer animals can graze for a shorter period.

Improper grazing management, especially heavy grazing in fall, can further delay the readiness of grasses in the following season. This is particularly true for cool-season grasses that develop tillers in fall, impacting their growth potential the next year.

NDSU Extension research suggests overgrazing cool-season pastures in fall can reduce forage production by over 50% the following season.

Drought conditions can further complicate grazing management. Fall droughts can either prevent tiller growth or kill existing tillers, leading to delayed growth and grazing readiness the following spring. The combination of drought and poor grazing management can significantly extend this delay.

NDSU Extension specialists recommend several strategies to optimize forage production and livestock performance:

• Identify the dominant grass species in your pastures and rangelands.
• Monitor the readiness of these grasses and delay grazing until they reach the appropriate stage.
• Track grazing is used throughout the season to avoid overgrazing.

If delaying grazing until optimal readiness is difficult, consider alternative strategies:

• Start grazing on earlier-maturing forages like winter cereals.
• Supplement livestock with feed on pastures or hay land.
• Extend dry lot feeding in May.
• Minimize grazing impact by using a smaller area and allowing for extended rest afterward.

Remember, early grazing, especially following a drought, can have long-term negative consequences for your pastures' health and productivity. It's crucial to allow grasses to replenish their root reserves for optimal growth throughout the grazing season.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf