A great deal of the success in a well-managed grazing system is owed to the design of the fencing infrastructure. Especially in managed grazing systems where livestock are rotated frequently, a well-designed fencing system that accommodates rotational grazing can make or break the system.
Also commonly referred to as “stocking rate,” carrying capacity is the number of animals a parcel of land can support by providing adequate feed and retaining and recycling the nutrients they produce. In grazing systems, where livestock harvest their own feed and spread their own manure, carrying capacity is foundational to a long grazing season that results in healthy animals, healthy pastures, and a healthy ecosystem.
Managing forage inventory is a pivotal task on any grazing operation. A forage inventory involves monitoring how much forage is available at various points of the season, as well as projecting forage availability throughout the season to ensure the farm is on track to meet its production goals.
Variable corn stands, short hayfields, and parched pastures are par for the course with the drought this growing season. As a result, graziers are already dipping into stored winter feed, while hay supplies become increasingly limited and expensive.
Cool-season grasses are highly dependent on regular rainfall, with 1 to 1.5 inches a week needed for sustained optimal growth through the summer. While dry and hot conditions in July and August frequently result in a “summer slump”, longer periods of deficient rainfall can dramatically reduce pasture production. Poor management during drought can slow pasture recovery after the rain starts falling again.
A high-quality forage base is the foundation of every successful grazing operation. Good grazing management and attention to soil fertility are central to keeping pastures healthy and productive, but there are times when renovation is the best option for improving productivity or fixing problems in a pasture.
Stockpile grazing is a technique that can help minimize the high cost of winter feeding. A goal common to nearly all grazing operations is extending the grazing season as late into the year as possible. Using livestock to harvest forage is the most cost-effective method of feeding your animals, and every additional day of grazing has positive implications on farm finances.
Many grazing operations across Wisconsin may look similar during the growing season, but what differentiates them is winter. Graziers employ a variety of winter feeding strategies. For those who choose to keep their livestock outdoors year-round, bale grazing is a common approach. In bale grazing, bales are placed on pasture, often pre-set in a grid pattern prior to winter.
