Many cattle producers falsely believe they are in the cattle business. The reality is most are in the forage production business – some say the soil health business, or even the soil microbe business, but we aren’t here to split hairs.

Grazing cover crops can be a cost-effective way to achieve multiple operational goals. Cover crops can provide ground cover to prevent erosion, improve soil health over time and provide nutrient-dense forage for grazing. However, turning cattle out onto cover crops to graze without understanding the risks can lead to a wreck.