Grazing plan - Articles - Page 11

Reflections on rotational versus continuous stocking

Lack of a clear definition and preconceived assumptions for these words/themes may promote misconceptions, thus hindering the opportunity for critical thinking and ultimately the advancement and improvement of grazing systems.

September 9, 2022

Miguel Castillo and Marcelo Wallau

In conversations with colleagues working in extension as well as with livestock and land managers around the country, we observed that particular assumptions and buzz words arise frequently and can dominate discussions in the realm of grazing management.

Fix it or start over? Balancing pasture management for maximum production

Starting over is one option when faced with poor pasture or range conditions. However, with some proper maintenance, and nutrient and weed management, plants can be revived.

August 25, 2022

Joseph Sagers

The real goal of every livestock producer is to maximize the amount of energy captured by the sun in the range or pasture allotted to them.

Grazing management: The foundation of a sustainable legacy

Creating an individualized grazing management plan will help producers ensure a ranch’s economic and environmental sustainability. The diversity of cattle and grazing situations across the U.S. means there is no one-size-fits-all plan.

August 25, 2022

Chad Ellis

Grazing cattle have the unique ability to upcycle, or convert, low-quality forages into high-quality, nutrient-dense protein.

SUMMARY

How much forage do you actually have?

Matching the correct herd size and grazing time with pasture production every year is crucial for maintaining long-term pasture productivity and profitable animal production.

August 25, 2022

Alex Caldeira Rocateli

The forage produced in pastures changes yearly due to rainfall and temperature fluctuations. Changes in forage production need to be adjusted to match the herd size with the amount of forage produced to avoid pasture under- or overgrazing.

SUMMARY

Temporary stewards: Ranching to preserve the land

With an intense passion for improving the land, the Flynn family of western Montana has adopted a philosophy of utilizing cattle to achieve their goal of a healthy range.

August 25, 2022

Tyrell Marchant

“A family of teachers.”
That’s how Jill Flynn refers to her brood, who together own and operate Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch in the hills just outside Townsend, Montana, overlooking the Missouri River. Perhaps no one is more representative of that designation than Jill’s late husband, Kelly.

Taking stock and looking ahead on grazing

May 24, 2022

Ben Beckman

As we head into the middle of summer, taking stock of pasture and forage status for the rest of the growing season is a good practice to implement, especially when faced with dry weather.

The value of grazing management with current commodity prices

May 9, 2022

Eric Bailey

Managed grazing systems are a big opportunity to enhance ranch profit and sustainability.

Putting weight on cattle from up above

March 23, 2022

Jaclyn De Candio

Researchers from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are working on a new way to use satellite imagery for rangeland management – using the grazing patterns to predict cattle weight gain over a period of time.

Lowering inputs through better grazing

February 22, 2022

Wesley Tucker

Fertilizer, fuel, oil, tires, parts, land – all of these production inputs cost way more today than they have in recent years. Just compared with 12 months ago, input costs have risen at an alarming rate.