Get more out of winter pastures in the Northern Plains by grazing them for a little while in May.

February 28, 2014

1 Min Read
Flash Grazing Can Increase Forage Use

You don't have to only graze winter pastures in the winter, says Robin Salverson, South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension cow-calf field specialist.

Try "flash grazing" winter pastures in the Northern Plains in the spring instead. The grass will grow back before fall and you'll have the same amount of forage to use in the winter.

"Results of a study at the SDSU Cottonwood Research Station suggest that grazing winter pastures in May, targeting 25% relative utilization, allows sufficient regrowth to occur during the remainder of the growing season to maintain sufficient stockpiled forages for winter use," Salverson says.

However, be careful not to graze at a higher utilization rate of 50% in May or extend the grazing period into June, even at a lower utilization rate of 25%. Standing forage available for winter use could be reduced. There was also a negative shift from mid to short grasses when plots were clipped in June.

To read more about flash grazing, click here.

 

More articles to enjoy:

70+ Photos Of Multiple Generations On The Ranch

Calf Watch: 101 Reader-Submitted Baby Calf Photos

Charges Of Blasphemy Over Science Make A Comeback

It’s Time For Old Man Winter To Step Aside

Extreme Weather Prep: How To Help Your Cowherd Weather A Natural Disaster

Subscribe to Our Newsletters
BEEF Magazine is the source for beef production, management and market news.

You May Also Like