Division of Extension
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.
Many beef and small ruminant producers are looking forward to pastures greening up in Wisconsin. In some pastures that will include troublesome weeds. Management timing for weed control is narrow for some species and can be the difference between success and a waste of time and money.
Soil seems to be the hot-button topic of nearly every farmer-focused event and agricultural publication these days. While it’s ironic that this resource, which predates modern agriculture itself, has become the rising star of modern agriculture, it’s appropriate because soil is the foundation of everything we do. Few would argue that the health and long-term productivity of our soil is the most critical factor for the future of agriculture and society.
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.
