The growth rate of forages depends on the rate of pasture production and management. This includes management during recent grazing periods as well as the previous winter and the prior grazing season.

Pastures that were poorly managed last year will not grow as quickly or produce as much forage this year. Given the same conditions, a well-managed pasture will produce more forage, up to the limits of the soil and site conditions.

In addition to better pasture production, a managed grazing system improves soil, water, and wildlife resources. More rainfall will soak into the soil rather than running off. Any runoff that does occur will be cleaner, carrying less sediment.

Soil erosion will be significantly reduced, and soil may even build up. Wildlife habitat, especially for songbirds, will benefit from diverse cover types, heights, and stages of maturity.

The management strategies below can be adjusted based on your pasture situation, the current and desired forages, and the type and class of livestock using the pastures.

Identify and Manage Sensitive Areas

Many pastures are used for grazing because they have environmental limitations that prevent their use as cropland. These limitations may include wetness, droughtiness, steep slopes, stoniness, and southern or southwestern slopes.

Common sensitive areas include:

Wooded areas, including savannas.
Native prairie remnants.
Steep slopes.
Shallow or thin soils.
Organic soils.
Springs or seeps.
Riparian areas.
Wetlands, ponds, lakes.
Streams, rivers.
Areas that commonly flood.
Conservation structures.
Areas with threatened or endangered species.
Areas with archaeological significance.

Subdividing Pastures

To improve pasture yield, subdivide the pasture into several paddocks. This allows most of the pasture to rest while increasing the efficiency of grazing in the active paddock. Common methods for subdividing pastures are strip grazing and set paddocks.

When to End Grazing

Avoid grazing below a specific residual stubble height (4 inches for tall cool-season grasses and 2 inches for short cool-season grasses). Grazing too low removes active growing points, forcing grasses to regrow from roots, which takes 7-10 extra days and weakens the root system by depleting food reserves.

Management Before a Killing Frost

Allowing forages to regrow before a killing frost is crucial. New buds for next year’s grass shoots develop in the fall. Pastures that rest for 30 days before a killing frost will come out of dormancy 7-10 days earlier in the rainy season, extending the grazing season.

Sacrificial Paddock Use and Management

A sacrificial paddock is a specific area used for holding livestock while other paddocks rest. This is necessary when soil conditions are very wet, dry, or when forage production is low.

Choose sacrificial paddocks carefully, avoiding sensitive areas, erosion-prone spots, and difficult-to-reach areas. Ensure there is water available for the livestock.

Managing Forage Balance

Managing forage balance is challenging due to variable growth rates. To maintain balance, consider these strategies:

1. Use a rotational grazing system to reduce mid-summer forage shortages and delay the decline in production.

2. Utilize warm-season grasses to fill the mid-summer gap in cool-season forage systems.

3. Grow an annual crop for summer forage.

4. Graze hay fields that have been harvested for the first crop instead of taking a second crop.

5. Harvest some paddocks as hay in the spring during rapid growth periods.

In summary, to optimize pasture productivity, effective management is crucial. A well-managed pasture, considering recent and past grazing practices, will produce more forage and support better soil, water, and wildlife health.

Subdividing pastures into paddocks and using methods like rotational grazing can enhance forage growth and efficiency. Avoid overgrazing to prevent damage to grass roots and ensure forages have time to regrow before a killing frost to extend the grazing season.

Additionally, use sacrificial paddocks during adverse conditions and manage forage balance by incorporating various grasses and crops to maintain steady forage availability throughout the year.