Why Rotational Grazing

Pastures for Profit - Rotational Grazing

Pastures represent a largely untapped resource for farmers. More than one quarter of Texas agricultural land is in some form of pasture. Yet, 80% of these pastures suffer from poor, uneven fertility coupled with serious weed and erosion problems. Most pastures are continuously grazed throughout the season. However, continuous grazing results in the lowest possible pasture yields since the forage is not allowed to recuperate between grazing. The lack of management makes these pastures a poor forage source and most farmers are reluctant to rely too heavily on pastures to feed their high-producing livestock.

To produce good livestock feed from pasture, we must manage our pastures differently. By using rotational grazing, you can make a profit from pastures.

What is rotational Grazing

Under rotational grazing, only one portion of pasture is grazed at a time while the remainder of the pasture “rests.” To accomplish this, pastures are subdivided into smaller areas (referred to as paddocks) and livestock are moved from one paddock to another. Resting grazed paddocks allows forage plants to renew energy reserves, rebuild vigor, deepen their root system, and give long-term maximum production.

For rotational grazing to be successful, the timing of rotations must be adjusted to the growth stage of the forage. Unfortunately, rotational grazing is often reduced to regular animal shifts from paddock to paddock based on rigid time schedules rather than in response to forage growth rate. Rigid schedules reduce the benefit of rotational grazing.

Rotational grazing can be practiced in a variety of intensities. Systems can range from 2 to 30 or more paddocks. Management intensive rotational grazing involves a higher level of management with greater paddock numbers, shorter grazing periods, and longer rest periods. Generally, more intense management results in greater livestock production per acre.

Wildlife Advantages

Populations of native grassland birds have declined significantly within the past 50 years. These birds once thrived in the extensive native prairies that covered the state. As the land was converted to row crops and frequently mowed hay fields, the birds’ habitat has dwindled and their populations are now at risk. Many aspects of rotational grazing systems can help reverse this decline: the rested paddocks provide undisturbed nesting habitat; leaving at least 4 inches of growth in cool-season grass pastures during the spring provides needed cover for the nests; and creating large blocks (50 or more acres) that are not grazed or harvested between mid-May and early July give many young birds time to mature. Also, warm-season grass paddocks, which aren’t grazed until late June, provide especially good nesting habitat. Game birds, such as pheasants, wild turkey, and quail also benefit from pastures, as do bluebirds whose favorite nesting sites are fence posts