Grazing Systems Planning Guide - Kevin Blanchet
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Grazing Systems
Planning
Publication made possible by
the following organizations: Guide
¤ University of Minnesota Extension Service
¤ Natural Resources Conservation Service Kevin Blanchet
¤ University of Minnesota Water Resource Center
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Howard Moechnig
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources
Jodi DeJong-Hughes
University of Minnesota Extension Service
BU - 07606 - S
Revised 2003
Find more University of Minnesota Extension Service educational information at www.extension.umn.edu
Additional copies of this item can be ordered from the University of Minnesota Extension Service Distribution Center,
405 Coffey Hall, 1420 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108-6068, e-mail: order@extension.umn.edu or credit card
orders at (800) 876-8636. Copyright © 2003, Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.Appendix G. Calculated Method for Reserve Herd Days (RHD)
Kind and Number of Livestock:
Total Herd Weight:
Daily Allocation (Total Herd Weight x 0.04):
(a) (b) (c)
Forage
(d)
Pounds of
(e)
Pounds of Forage
(f) (g) Grazing Systems
Paddock No. Acres Available
(inches)
Forage per acre
per inch*
Available
(b x c x d)
RHDs** REMARKS
Planning
Guide
Kevin Blanchet
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Howard Moechnig
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources
Jodi DeJong-Hughes
University of Minnesota Extension Service
* Refer to Table 6 The information in this publication is for educational purposes only and any reference to commercial products or trade names intends no
** RHD = column (e) divided by Daily Allocation discrimination and implies no endorsement by the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
For Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations, please call (800) 876-8636.
The University of Minnesota Extension Service is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
44TABLE OF CONTENTS Appendix F. Visual Method for Calculating Reserve Herd Days (RHD)
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Paddock No. RHD Notes
Grazing Management Systems
2. GRAZING RESOURCE INVENTORY ...................................................................................................... 6
Goals
What are my goals for the grazing system?
Land and Soils
What land resources are available for the grazing operation?
What is the productivity of the soils?
Are there sensitive land areas or soil limitations for grazing in the pasture?
Livestock
What are the forage requirements for each livestock herd?
What are the plans for potential expansion of the livestock operation?
How many herds will be grazed?
Forages
What are the existing forage species in the pasture?
How healthy or in what condition is the pasture?
What are the estimated yields and seasonal distribution of the existing forages?
Water Sources
What are the existing water sources and where are the drinking facilities?
What are the other potential water sources?
Fence
What are the types and condition of the existing fences?
3. GRAZING PLAN DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................................ 13
Paddock Design and Layout
How many paddocks are needed for a rotational grazing system?
How do I decide paddock size?
What are some considerations for paddock layout?
Fence Design and Layout
What kind of fence should I install?
Water System Design and Layout
How can I supply adequate water to the livestock?
Where should drinking facilities be located?
Heavy Use Area Planning
What do I consider when planning livestock lanes?
How do I stabilize the livestock lanes?
How do I keep the area around water facilities from becoming mudholes?
4. PASTURE MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 19
Pasture Forage and Livestock Management
What is proper grazing management for the desired forage species?
How do pasture and livestock management affect plant growth and forage quality?
When do I start grazing in the spring?
When do I move livestock from paddock to paddock? Total RHDs
Pasture Soil Fertility Management
Can nutrients from livestock manure be utilized more efficiently in pastures?
When is increasing soil pH with lime important for forage production?
How much nitrogen fertilizer do I need to put on my pasture?
Does phosphorus and potassium fertilizer improve pasture productivity?
2 43D. Sling Pumps: Pasture Brush and Weed Control
Sling pumps operate by the action of flowing water. The entire body of the sling pump rotates due to a propeller. Inside Can unwanted weeds be controlled through grazing?
the pump body is a coiled, open-ended tube. This tube alternately picks up water and air, and forces the water out through What are the cultural and mechanical brush and weed control alternatives for pastures?
an outlet hose. The water is normally stored in a tank and later distributed to the livestock. A wind-powered version is When is control of brush and problem weeds with herbicides the best option?
available for use on ponds. Sacrificial Paddock Management
How will the livestock be managed during times of drought or wet conditions?
Advantages: Will sacrificial paddocks be rejuvenated after removal of livestock?
• Can operate in remote locations without an outside power source.
5. GRAZING SYSTEM MONITORING ...................................................................................................... 27
• Low maintenance.
Pasture Record Keeping
• Can pump for distances, just over 1 mile. How do I know I have enough forage available?
• Can lift water up to 80 feet. Is the productivity of the pasture increasing?
• Low cost ($550-850). Are the natural resources improving?
• Portable; easily moved from one water source to another.
6. GRAZING PLAN EXAMPLE ................................................................................................................... 29
Disadvantages:
• Requires wind or water movement to operate. 7. REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 33
E. Hydraulic Ram Pumps: 8. APPENDICES .............................................................................................................................................. 34
Ram pumps require flowing water, or water under pressure through a drive pipe, to operate. A minimum of 3 feet of fall is A Livestock Forage Monthly Balance Sheet
required to operate a ram pump. Normally, water is pumped to a storage tank for further distribution to drinking facilities B1 Identification Key for Common Forage Species – Grass
in paddocks. B2 Identification Key for Common Forage Species – Legume
C1 Determining Grassland Condition/Trend
Advantages: C2 Inventory Category Items
D1 Average Forage Yields for Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin
• Economical to operate.
D2 Average Forage Yields for Southern Minnesota and Southern Wisconsin
• No outside energy required, can operate in remote locations. E Water System Design Considerations
• Reliable, with few moving parts. F Visual Method for Calculating Reserve Herd Days
• Can lift water to a maximum of 250 feet. G Calculated Method for Reserve Herd Days
• Can pump water for a relatively long distance. H Grazing Plan Checklist
Disadvantages:
• Adequate water flow required to operate the pump.
• Must be anchored to a solid base.
• Not portable.
• Must be protected from frost, or drained for the winter.
• Overflow water must be drained from the area in which the pump is installed.
• Cost range from $350 for a small pump to $7000 for a large pump.
42 3Appendix E. Water Systems Design Considerations
Introduction A. Ramps to Surface Water:
Restricted access points consist of ramps which direct livestock to drink from limited areas of a lake, pond, or stream.
During fence construction, a hard surface is installed to keep the livestock confined to the access point.
This guide discusses the Reducing costs and/or increasing Components of a typical grazing
components of a grazing system production are the two avenues plan: Advantages:
by taking you through the grazing that livestock producers have for • Goals of the farming • Livestock will not have free access to open water sources except at controlled points, helping to reduce water
management planning process. improving profitability. Focusing operation quality problems.
Information on grazing resource on management and control of • Summary of sensitive areas • Capacity is not an issue, unless the water source is unreliable.
inventory, plan development, production and pasture resources • Livestock summary and • No power required.
pasture management, and system can be a cost reducing strategy. A forage requirements
monitoring is provided. Each well-managed rotational grazing • Fencing system Disadvantages:
section has a series of questions system can reduce or eliminate • High cost of construction and maintenance.
• Livestock watering system
that will lead you through the the need for labor-intensive or • Livestock still have access to open sources of water.
• Heavy use area protection
decision-making process of purchased inputs such as
• Forages • Lack of portability; livestock need to travel to the source of water to get a drink.
developing your plan. Your supplemental feed, nitrogen
grazing plan will become fertilizer, and weed and brush • Grazing system
management B. Livestock Powered Pumps:
customized to fit your operation killers. Improved pasture
depending upon how you answer condition and higher forage Livestock powered pumps (nose pumps) utilize a diaphragm pump which is lever-activated by the nose of the animal as
the questions and integrate the yields can also lead to more For a complete grazing plan they drink water from a cup cast into the unit.
components. Pasture-based animal production per pasture checklist see appendix H.
livestock systems can be acre. Since feed costs are the Advantages:
profitable enterprises if the major cost in almost all livestock Grazing systems range from • Simple and economical, costing half as much as a typical restricted access point.
available resources are managed operations, getting control of continuous grazing of one area • Easily moved from one water source to another and from paddock to paddock.
effectively. them is critical. over a long period of time to • No water storage required.
intense rotational grazing on
• No power required.
With approximately 16 percent of Designing a grazing plan is the small areas for short periods of
Minnesota’s land in forage first step in your pasture time. Livestock systems that use
Disadvantages:
production, our pasture land is an management system. As you continuous grazing of a pasture
experience both overgrazing and
• Animals must be trained to use pumps.
important economic resource. follow the planning process, the • Smaller animals, such as calves may not have the strength to use them.
Grazing management, such as strengths and weaknesses of your undergrazing of forages. A
rotational system provides a rest • Sheep will not use a nose pump.
rotational grazing that extends the current system will become
opportunity for forage plants so • Generally can pump for distances less than 300 feet.
amount of time that livestock can apparent. The grazing plan
meet their needs through grazing should include all the that they may regrow more • Generally cannot lift water more than 30 feet.
and reduces the need for components of the grazing and quickly. The rotational system • Must be anchored to something solid or a heavy base.
harvested feedstuffs, will lower pasture system and serve as a provides an opportunity to move
feed costs and add to profitability. map for making management livestock based on forage growth, C. Solar Powered Pumps:
improvements. promote better pasture forage
Solar panels are used to power direct current electric motors, usually 12 or 24 volt. The pumps can run continuously or
utilization, and extend the
the energy can be stored in a battery for use upon demand.
grazing season. The advantages
and disadvantages of three
Advantages:
grazing management systems are
• Can operate in remote locations, no outside power required.
listed on the following page.
• Low maintenance.
• Can pump water for long distances.
• Variety of pumps and panels allows customization for your site.
Disadvantages:
• Expensive ($1500-6000).
• Must store water. A three-day reserve is recommended.
• Not easily portable.
4 41Appendix D2. Average Forage Yields for Southern Minnesota and Southern Wisconsin Grazing Management Systems
-----------------------% Availability by Month----------------------- Continuous grazing Simple rotational grazing Intensive rotational grazing
is a one-pasture system where is a system with more than one is a system with many pastures,
Quality livestock have unrestricted access pasture in which livestock are moved sometimes referred to as paddocks.
Species Yield May June July Aug Sept Oct throughout the grazing season. to allow for periods of grazing and Livestock are moved frequently from
(lb/a DM)
rest for forages. paddock to paddock based on forage
Cool Season Grasses growth and utilization.
Good 5680 30 30 10 10 15 5
Kentucky Bluegrass
Poor 1900 10 40 10 15 15 10
Good 6440 20 35 15 10 15 5
Orchardgrass
Poor 2260 10 30 10 20 20 10
Good 6180 20 30 25 10 10 5
Reed Canarygrass
Poor 2720 20 30 20 10 15 5
Good 6080 30 30 15 10 10 5
Smooth Bromegrass
Poor 2620 25 35 10 10 15 5
Good 7940 20 30 20 10 15 5
Tall Fescue
Poor 2740 15 40 10 10 15 10
Good 6260 25 35 10 10 15 5
Timothy
Poor 2340 10 45 10 15 15 5
Warm Season Grasses
Advantages Advantages Advantages
• Requires less management • Can increase forage • Highest forage production
Good 5000 0 10 40 35 15 0 • Capital costs are minimal production and improve and use per acre
Big Bluestem
Poor 2520 0 15 40 35 10 0 pasture condition over • Stocking rates can typically
Disadvantages continuous grazing be increased
G ood 5000 0 15 35 35 15 0
Switchgrass
Poor 2500 0 15 45 35 5 0 • Lower forage quality and • Allows pastures to rest and • More even distribution of
yields allows for forage regrowth manure throughout the
Good 5500 0 0 20 30 30 20 paddocks
Sudangrass • Lower stocking rate and less • Can provide a longer grazing
Poor 3000 0 0 40 45 15 0 • Weeds and brush are usually
forage produced per acre season, reducing the need for
feeding harvested forages controlled through grazing
Legumes • Uneven pasture use
• Better distribution of manure • Provides more grazing
• Greater forage losses due to
Good 5820 20 25 35 20 0 0 throughout the pasture options and reduces the need
Alfalfa/grass trampling
Poor 3000 20 25 35 20 0 0 for mechanically harvested
• Animal manure is distributed forages
Good 5120 10 50 30 10 0 0 unevenly Disadvantages
Birdsfoot Trefoil • Costs for fencing and water
Poor 2500 10 50 30 10 0 0 • Weeds and other undesirable Disadvantages
plants may be a problem systems can be higher than
Good 5500 25 40 20 10 5 0 • Requires careful monitoring
Red Clover/grass
Poor 2750 25 40 20 10 5 0
with continuous grazing
of forage supply
• Forage production and
Source: Pastures for Profit: A Guide to Rotational Grazing, University of Minnesota, AG-FO-6145 • Initial costs may be higher
Alternative pasture utilization is not as
Good Conditforages
ion = lim(cool-season
e, P, K and splannual
it N appforages)
lication plus rotational grazing management due to fencing materials and
Poor Condition = no fertilizerGood
added plus co3000
ntinuous gra55
zing mana35 gement 10
high as intensive rotational
0 0 0 water distribution systems
Oat grazing systems
Poor 1600 60 40 0 0 0 0 • Requires more management
Good 2800 55 25 0 0 5 15
Winter rye
Poor 1200 65 25 0 0 5 5
Good 2800 55 25 0 0 5 15
Winter wheat
Poor 1200 60 30 0 0 5 5
Source: Pastures for Profit: A Guide to Rotational Grazing, University of Minnesota, AG-FO-06145
1
Good condition = lime, P, K and split N application plus rotational grazing management;
Poor condition = no fertilizer added plus continuous grazing management
40 5Distinguish land that is owned Appendix D1. Average Forage Yields for Northern Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin
from land that is rented. There
Grazing Resource Inventory are certain management practices
that you can apply to your own
land that you may not be able to
do on rented land. Determine the
Goals number of acres of the different
land parcels and label these on
What are my goals for the grazing Annually, goals should be
the map (Diagram 1).
system? reviewed and updated to fit the
Establish well-thought-out goals current situations and needs of
Is there additional land available
to direct the development of a the farm. After making a list of
that could be used for grazing?
grazing plan. The goals on which what you want to achieve with the
Often, cropland that is adjacent to
to base future business, resources you have available, you
pasture land may be better
management, and production are now ready to look at the
utilized by growing forages.
strategies will be unique to your management options to
Cropland in close proximity to
own operation. accomplish your goals.
existing pastures is ideal for
converting to grazing if pasture
Examples of goals include: Land and Soils expansion is one of the farm
• Increase livestock numbers goals. Identify and label on the
and/or forage availability What land resources are available map cropland that could be used
• Improve animal for the grazing operation? for grazing.
performance Locate or draw a map showing
• Reduce feed costs or labor the boundaries of the land that What is the productivity of the
• Reduce soil erosion is available for grazing. soils?
Map soil types and soil fertility
of your pastures. Soils vary
Diagram 1. Land resources map considerably in their ability to
support plant growth. Soil
productivity is partially
Aerial photos determined by its ability to hold
from USDA- water and nutrients and release
Farm Service them to the plant, and by how
Agency provide well plant roots can grow in the
a good soil. Actual crop yields achieved
base map are a result of the interaction
between soil productivity, the
level of management, and
climatic factors (Diagram 2).
Legend
Diagram 2. Soils map
6 39Appendix C2. Inventory Category Items A County Soil Survey is a good Limiting features also need to be
first step for determining soil identified and referenced on a
types in your pastures. The map. The most important source
publication contains general of information is observed by
characteristics of each soil type, walking the pasture with
1) Species Composition - Visually estimate the % composition by weight of each group of plants and assign including soil texture, drainage, somebody that is knowledgeable
a value. The categories desirable, intermediate, and undesirable refer to the preferred use of the plants by water holding capacity, and in soils and soil management.
the grazing animal, and intended use of the grazing land. The score ranges from “0”, with no or few organic matter content. The Soil Survey publication for
desirable or intermediate plant species, to “4”, which represents mostly desirable or intermediate plant Estimated forage yields can be your county will also provide
species present. calculated from “Pastures for additional information on pasture
Profit” (see References section), features found below the soil
2) Plant Diversity - Evaluate the number of different species of plants that are well represented on the site. Appendix A, the local NRCS surface.
Forage Suitability Groups, or
If only one species of plant occurs, diversity is narrow; if eight or more species of plants are present,
farm records. Examples of soil limiting County soil
diversity is broad. If 4-5 plant species are present, the score would be in the middle of this range.
features:
information and
Are there sensitive land areas or • Sandy soils which have a
3) Plant Density - Ignore plants classified as undesirable. Visually estimate the density of living desirable soil limitations for grazing in the
maps can be
high potential for drought
and intermediate plant species that would be present at a 2-inch stubble height. Ask yourself if there is pasture? obtained from your
• Shallow soils over bedrock
room for more desirable plants? Scores range from Dense (>95%), Medium (75-85%), Sparse (40%, 1 = 30-39%, 2 = 20-29%, 3 = 10-19%, 4 =Livestock C1.CDetermining
1. DeterminingGrassland
Grassland CCondition/Trend
ondition/Trend
What are the forage requirements for each livestock herd?
First, estimate the daily requirement for your herd: Producer:
Date: _____________________________________________
__________________________________________
(# of animals) x (average weight) x (daily utilization rate) County:
= daily forage requirement Recorded By: _______________________________________
____________________________________________
Tract #:
Daily utilization rate = 0.04. This figure is used because livestock need to have ____________________________________________
access to approximately 4% of their live weight in forage (2.5% intake, 0.5%
trampling loss, and 1% buffer).
Field #
Example: Acres
(25 cow/calf pairs) x (1,200 lb. average weight) x (0.04) = 1,200 lbs/day Month & Year M __ Y __ M __ Y __ M __ Y __ M __ Y __ M __ Y __
The daily forage requirement is used in Section 3, Grazing Plan Development, Category Score Value Value Value Value Value
Paddock Design and Layout. 1) Species Undesirable Desirable
Composition 0 1 2 3 4
Second, estimate the monthly and seasonal requirements for your herd:
Narrow Broad
2) Plant Diversity
0 1 2 3 4
(daily forage requirement) x (# of days per month)
= monthly forage requirement Sparse Dense
3) Plant Density
Example: 0 1 2 3 4
(1,200 lbs/day) x (30 days) = 36,000 lbs. monthly forage requirement 4) Plant Vigor
Weak Strong
0 1 2 3 4
(daily forage requirement) x (# of days in the grazing season) Less than 10% More than 40%
5) Legumes in Stand
= seasonal forage requirement 0 1 2 3 4
Example: Deficient Appropriate Excess
(1,200 lbs/day) x (150 days) = 180,000 lbs. seasonal forage requirement 6) Plant Residue
0 2 4 2 0
Spotty Intermediate Uniform
The Livestock Forage Monthly Balance Sheet (Table 1 and Appendix A) 7) Uniformity of Use
0 1 2 3 4
provides a simple method of computing monthly forage requirements.
Heavy Moderate Light
8) Severity of Use
0 2 4 2 0
Remember, the primary goal of most livestock grazing systems is to produce
weight gain on the livestock. An increase in animal size will result in an More than 40% Less than 10%
9) Woody Canopy
increase in estimated forage needs through the grazing season as long as animal 0 1 2 3 4
numbers do not change. Adjust livestock weights for each month to provide a 10) Soil Erosion
Severe Moderate Slight
more realistic estimate of forage needs. 0 1 2 3 4
Table 1. Livestock Forage Monthly Balance Sheet – Current Livestock Summary
Forage Requirements Per Month
(lbs. x 1000)
Kind/Class Number of Average Monthly
May June July Aug Sept Oct
Livestock Animals Weight Utilization*
Beef cow/calf 25 1200 1.2 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0 36.0
Herd bull 1 2000 1. 2 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
Totals 26 36.0 36.0 38.4 38.4 38.4 38.4
* 0.04 daily utilization rate (includes forage waste) x 30 days/month
8 37What are the plans for potential Forages
Appendix B2. Identification Key for Common Forage Species – Forage expansion of the livestock
operation? What are the existing forage species
If an increase in herd size is a in the pasture?
goal of the operation, estimate Forage grass and legume species
what adjustments to forage will each have their own unique
be needed and consider how to growth, persistence, and quality
best meet those needs with forage characteristics. Because they
supply. Are there enough acres in respond differently to soil
the existing pasture to meet the conditions, weather patterns,
needs of the larger livestock fertility, and grazing
herd? What is the potential management, the plants that are
forage supply if improvements Assistance in identifying
currently growing in your
are made to the pasture or grazing your forage species can be
pastures may be different from
system? This issue will be obtained at your local
one area to another. Identify
addressed in following section on dominant plant species and USDA Agricultural
forages. areas in which they grow on Service Center or
your pasture map. A walk Extension office. To
How many herds will be grazed? through the pastures is necessary collect plant samples for
Separating the grazing herd into to gather this information. The later identification, dig
groups based on production, plants you find during the initial several plants along with
animal species, animal size, or inventory of your forage species roots, and place them
class differences should be may or may not be the desired between sheets of
examined. When there is an species for meeting the long-term
increase in the number of herds, newspaper. Remove all
goals of your grazing system.
you will need to increase the soil from the roots before
Therefore, information on forage
number of paddocks. When placing on the newspaper.
species growing in the pasture
dividing the pasture consider: may have an impact on future To aid the plant drying
• How many groups could modifications to the grazing process, apply an even
potentially be grazing at system (Diagram 4). pressure or weight to the
the same time? Identification keys for grass and newspaper.
• Can the different groups legume species are readily
graze next to each other? available in Appendix B. Grass
(Don’t place male animals species are often difficult to
in paddocks adjacent to identify during early stages of
females in heat.) growth. Still, there is a need to
distinguish between grass species
because of potential differences
in forage yield and seasonal
growth patterns.
Diagram 4. Forage map
36 9How healthy or in what condition is What are the estimated yields and Appendix B1. Identification Key for Common Forage Species – Grass
the pasture? seasonal distribution of the existing
Good pasture condition is critical forages?
to a successful grazing system. Based on the plant species,
Pasture quality may vary greatly pasture condition, and soil types
from one pasture area to another, found in the pastures, forage
but the trend over time should yields and overall forage supply
show the direction in which the can be estimated for your grazing
pasture condition is moving. system. Document the forage
Determining Grassland yields in lbs./acre on the
Condition/Trend (Appendix C1) Livestock Forage Monthly
is an evaluation tool to help Balance Sheet (example of
determine if pastures are in need completed form is provided in
of improvement and what areas Table 3). Remember these are
need the most improvement. It is only estimates to provide a
also a useful tool in evaluating starting point for future planning.
results of management decisions. Changes in climatic conditions
Determine the condition of your from one year to the next can
pastures by completing the drastically change forage
Determining Grassland production and the outcome of
Condition/Trend sheet (an seasonal forage supply.
example of a completed form is
provided in Table 2).
Table 2. Determining Grassland Condition/Trend
Field # Rented Owned
Acres 30 55
Month & Year M__Y__ M__Y__ M__Y__ M__Y__ M__Y__
Category Score Value Value Value Value Value
1) Species Undesirable Desirable
2 1
Composition 0 1 2 3 4
2) Plant Narrow Broad
1 1
Diversity 0 1 2 3 4
3) Plant Sparse Dense
2 2
Density 0 1 2 3 4
4) Plant Weak Strong
1 1
Vigor 0 1 2 3 4
5) Legumes Less than 10% More than 40%
0 0
in Stand 0 1 2 3 4
6) Plant Deficient Appropriate Excess
2 2
Residue 0 2 4 2 0
7) Uniformity Spotty Intermediate Uniform
3 2
of Use 0 1 2 3 4
8) Severity Heavy Moderate Light
0 0
of Use 0 2 4 2 0
9) Woody More than 40% Less than 10%
4 4
Canopy 0 1 2 3 4
10) Soil Severe Moderate Slight
2 1
Erosion 0 1 2 3 4
10 35Appendix A. Livestock Forage Monthly Balance Sheet
Once the forage species and yield
Producer: ______________________ Location: ______________________ Date: _____________ estimates have been documented, Forage yield estimates for your grazing system can be
a monthly forage supply can be found in any of the following publications:
determined using the estimated • The County Soil Survey
Forage Requirements Per Month forage production and seasonal • NRCS Field Office Technical Guide
LIVESTOCK SUMMARY
(lbs. x 1000) distribution percentages. For • Pastures for Profit; A Guide to Rotational Grazing,
Kind/Class Number of Average specific forage yields and U of MN Extension Service
Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct seasonal distribution using charts
Livestock Animals Weight • Refer to Appendix D of this guide for yield estimates
from “Pastures for Profit,”
1.2* Natural Resources Conversation
1.2* Sevice (NRCS) Field Office Example: Monthly available forage for orchardgrass in a pasture that is in poor
Technical Guide tables, or condition is calculated in the following procedure:
1.2* information in Appendix D. The
estimated monthly values follow Total Yield
1.2*
the seasonal growth patterns of (forage yield) x (acres) = forage production
1.2* the common forage species. This Example:
exercise provides a good estimate (2,500 lbs/acre) x (30 acres) = 75,000 lbs of forage (dry matter basis)
1.2* of the total amount of forage
Totals available to livestock for any Forage Availability Per Month
month of the grazing season. (total yield) x (% forage available by month from Appendix D) =
*0.04 Daily utilization rate (2.5% intake, 0.5% trampling loss, and 1% buffer) x 30 days/month Subtract the monthly requirement monthly available forage
from the monthly forage
production to:
Forage Requirements Per Month • Indicate forage balance
FORAGE SUMMARY % Forage Monthly Available forage
(lbs. x 1000) for the growing season Month
Available* (lbs./acre)
Kind of Yield/ Total • Predict excess forage
Field Acres Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct production by month May 10% (75,000 lbs. x .10) 7,500
Forage Acre Yield
• Predict where forage June 30% x .30 22,500
shortages may occur by
July 10% x .10 7,500
month
Using the information in August 20% x .20 15,000
Appendix D, net yield and September 20% x .20 15,000
monthly available forage for
orchardgrass in a pasture that is October 10% x .10 7,500
in poor condition can be * From "Pastures for Profit" and NRCS Field Office Technical Guide
calculated.
Table 3. Livestock Forage Monthly Balance – Current Forage Summary
Total lbs., Produced from Forage (x 1000)
Total lbs., Required for Livestock (x 1000)
34 11
Total lbs., Excess or Deficiency (x 1000)Water Sources What are the other potential water
sources?
What are the existing water sources Changes to the grazing system
may require making
References
and where are the drinking
facilities? improvements to your livestock
Water is essential. Without an watering system. Are there other
adequate supply of quality water, potential water sources that could
Fertility, Weed Control and Species Selection for Productive Pastures.” 1998. Greg Cuomo. In Proc. 1998 “Grazing
animal health, weight gain, or be made available to the pasture?
Management, Pasture Fertility, Weed Control and Species Selection for Productive Pastures.” 1998. Greg Cuomo. In
milk production can be negatively Do you need to drill a new well?
Proc. 1998 Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Report. P. 23-28.
affected. Locate on a map the Where is the best site for a new
water sources and drinking well? Is there a water source
Minnesota Beef Cow/Calf Report. P. 23-28.
facilities that are currently nearby where water can be
available to the grazing herd obtained by constructing a
“Improve Your Pasture in Five Easy Steps.” T. Hovde, B. Stommes, L. Williams, L. Zilliox, J. Siira. University of
(Diagram 5). Note all possible pipeline system? These
Minnesota Extension Service and Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
sources such as streams, ponds, additional sources provide you
wells, or springs. By viewing with options when making
“Pastures for Profit: A Guide to Rotational Grazing.” 2002. University of Wisconsin (A3529) and University of
these on a map, we can see how decisions on improving your
Minnesota Extension Service publication FO-06145.
far livestock have to travel to water system.
receive water. Consider these “Pasture Management Guide for Livestock Producers.” 1998. Iowa State University Extension publication Pm-1713.
questions when making If you are not certain of the water
decisions: quality, tests should be performed
“Alfalfa Management Guide.” 2002. North Central Regional Extension Publication #NCR547.
• Are there seasonal changes to determine whether the water is
in the water supply? satisfactory for consumption by
“Fertilizer Recommendations for Agronomic Crops in Minnesota.” 2001. University of Minnesota Extension Service
Shallow wells or small livestock. Good, clean water is
publication BU-06240-S.
streams will often dry up especially critical to producers
during late summer or who expect high animal
“Impact of Grazing Cattle on Distribution of Soil Minerals.” 1986. James Gerrish, James Brown, and Paul Peterson. In
during times of drought. performance – as with milking
Proc. 1995 National Forage & Grassland Council.
cows, stockers, and replacement
• If water is being hauled to
dairy heifers – although benefits
the animals, how much “Pasture Weed Control.” 1997. Roger Becker and Greg Cuomo. In Proc. Minnesota Lamb and Wool Producers Annual
are realized for other classes of
storage is available? Meeting, St. Cloud, MN.
livestock as well.
• Is a nearby source of
electricity available? “Forage Legumes: Clovers, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Cicer Milkvetch, Crownvetch, Sainfoin and Alfalfa.” 1993. University of
• Will the existing water Fencing Minnesota Extension Service, SB-5963-F.
sources be able to
Diagram 5. Existing water and fence location map accommodate a pumping What are the types and condition of “Identifying Pasture Grasses.” 1996. University of Wisconsin-Extension A3637.
system that does not the existing fences?
require electricity? Know the kind and condition of “Using All-weather Geotextiles for Lanes and Paths.” 1999. Kevin Janni, Brian Holmes, and Ted Funk. Midwest Plan
existing fences. Map the Service publication AED-45.
location of these fences
including both perimeter and “Stockman’s Guide to Range Livestock Watering from Surface Water Sources.” Prairie Agricultural Machinery
interior fences (Diagram 5). Institute: Manitoba, Canada.
Will the condition and location of
the existing fence meet the needs
of the grazing system? Should
you plan to improve or change the
location of any of the fences? Do
not be locked in on the location
of existing fences. Are there
other livestock handling facilities
available such as corrals, dry lots,
barns, or sheds that are part of the
pasture or grazing system?
12 33The hay field will be used for
Grazing System grazing during the summer after a forage growth will slow
Management crop of hay has been harvested
and regrowth is sufficient. This
considerably. The livestock
should be moved at a slower pace
Grazing Plan Development
The key to maintaining vigorous will provide high quality forage through the paddocks. If
vegetation is to avoid for mid- to late summer, and will minimum stubble height cannot
overgrazing. The forage plants allow an extended rest period for be maintained, confine the
will recover from grazing without the other paddocks at a time of livestock to a portion of one of Paddock Design and Layout
depleting root reserves only if the season when they need it (35- the paddocks (a sacrificial
there is adequate leaf area 50 days). The hay field will be paddock) and provide them with The development of a grazing Grazing periods longer than 6
remaining to meet the food subdivided by temporary fence emergency feed until they can be plan involves the following: days will damage new regrowth.
requirements of the plant. into 3 paddocks to allow better put back into a regular rotation. • Determining how many The grazing of new growth
management of the forages. Do not use any of the sensitive paddocks are required and diminishes the ability of the
Initiate grazing in early spring areas as sacrificial paddocks. their size and shape forage plants to regrow quickly,
when the orchardgrass is 3-4 The balance of forage available • Determining the kind of resulting in an overall yield
inches tall, reed canarygrass is and forage required indicates that Regrowth of the forage prior to fence and locations reduction for the pasture. A
4-5 inches tall, and the grass in there will be significant periods fall freeze-up is important for • Determining how water shorter grazing period is
the Kentucky bluegrass paddocks of time during September and maintaining health and vigor of will be provided to the associated with livestock
is 2 inches high. Because the October when the livestock will the plants through the winter. livestock operations where livestock
grass growth in the spring is need to be placed into a Prior to a killing frost, the forage performance is essential, such as
rapid, the livestock should be sacrificial paddock in late should have 6 inches of regrowth How many paddocks are needed for with milking cows. Longer
moved through the system from summer and early fall and fed hay on the reed canarygrass and a rotational grazing system? grazing periods are more typical
paddock to paddock at a fairly because there will not be orchardgrass, and 4 inches on The minimum number of of beef cow/calf operations, ewe/
rapid pace, every 1-2 days if adequate forages for grazing in Kentucky bluegrass. Since these paddocks in a system is lamb operations, and maintaining
possible. As the grass growth the pastures. Plan on having hay heights are not possible to attain dependent upon the length of the dry cows.
slows later in the growing season, on hand for this from the harvest on all paddocks, manage one rest period that is required for the
slow the rotation through the third of the paddocks so that they Table 4. Optimal rest period for forage species
of excess available in June and forages. The lengths of the rest
paddocks to an approximate July. get the required regrowth each periods for grasses and legumes
interval of 4-6 days, basing year, and then alternate this can be found in Table 4. The rest
movement of the livestock on: Paddock 1 will be used as the treatment from one year to the period allows time for the forage
• The minimum stubble sacrificial paddock when next. This regrowth can be plants to regrow, producing
heights of the forages: necessary. This paddock is less grazed to the minimum stubble forage for the next grazing cycle.
2 inches for Kentucky erodible than the others and does heights as stockpiled forage after The length of the rest period
bluegrass not contain sensitive areas. This the forages go dormant, about varies throughout the growing
3 inches for orchardgrass paddock is easily accessible for mid-October. season. When preparing your
4 inches for reed emergency feeding. plan, use an average length or
canarygrass Fertilization of the pastures will longer length of time (25-30
• The minimum required During very wet weather, be done to ensure optimum days). Using less than the The minimum number of paddocks for each herd in the pasture
regrowth: livestock traffic may cause yields. Fertilizer applications average length of time will result
will be based on soil tests and system is equal to:
4 inches for Kentucky excessive damage to the soil or in a plan with too few paddocks
bluegrass the forage. If this occurs, move economic analysis. The pH of the or paddocks that are too large.
6 inches for orchardgrass the livestock from paddock to soil will be maintained between Paddock Rest period (days)
8 inches for reed paddock more rapidly, or confine 6.0 to 7.0. Another component used in = + 1
Number Grazing period (days)
canarygrass the animals to the feedlot (or use determining the number of
a sacrificial paddock) and provide Overwintering will not be done paddocks is the grazing period.
The number of actual grazing them with emergency feed. on this pasture system. Each The length of the grazing period Guidance on paddock
days will vary with the size of the When conditions improve, put the paddock will be clipped as the in each paddock is based upon management is provided in
paddock, and in practice it will livestock back into a regular livestock are rotated out if needed the desired level of management,
to control weeds.
the Pasture Management
vary with the condition of the rotation. availability of labor, performance
“Grazing Management, Pasture objective for the livestock, and section
forage, how much grazing
pressure has been applied in the During very dry weather, the growth characteristics of forages.
past, weather conditions, and time
during the grazing season.
32 13The required size of the paddock for average growth conditions is equal to: How do I decide paddock size? Livestock Watering System Forages To provide better quality and
Paddock size is based upon quantity of forages during the
Paddock Size = (daily herd forage requirement) x (days in grazing period) providing an adequate supply Water will be delivered from the The existing forages in these midsummer slump that cool
(lbs. forage available per acre) of available forage to meet the well through a high-density pastures are: season grasses go through, the
requirements of the herd. This plastic hose system laid on top of alfalfa/bromegrass hay field
Daily herd forage requirement Total weight of the herd times 0.04 would be a simple task if the the ground (Diagram 8). Portable Paddocks 7, 8, 9, 10: will be utilized after one crop
utilization rate (refer to the livestock forages grew at the same rate tanks will be used as drinking Orchardgrass of hay has been harvested.
inventory from Table 1). throughout the season. We facilities. They will be moved Paddocks 5, 6:
Grazing period Length of time animals are in know this is not the case. For with the herd as they graze Reed Canarygrass Yields are estimated on Table
paddock. example, cool season grass through the pasture system. Paddocks 1, 2, 3, 4: 11. These are only esti mates
Pounds of forage available per acre Measured height of forage minus growth is very rapid in the Approximately 6,400 feet of Kentucky Bluegrass based upon expected yields
minimum stubble height (from Table spring, slows considerably pipeline is required, along with with the planned improvements
5) x pounds of forage per acre per during the hot summer months two portable tanks. Refer to The current condition of the in place. Actual yields should
inch of height (from Table 6). of July and August, and Diagram 8 for locations of the forages is poor. To improve the be determined when the
increases somewhat again in water pipelines. pastures all paddocks, except for rotational grazing system is in
Table 5. Minimum height (in inches) of pasture species for initiating and terminating grazing the fall. the area of reed canarygrass, will place. The grazing system will
The pipelines and tanks do not be frost seeded with clover to require monitoring to
Begin Grazing End Grazing Clearly, for a given herd the require frost protection, since provide nitrogen for increased yield maximize forage utilization
Initial Grazing Minimum & area required to produce the they will be drained every fall and to improve the nutritional value without overgrazing.
Height in Early Optimum Height of Minimum Stubble Minimum Regrowth
Species Spring* Vegetative Growth Height** before Killing Frost
necessary forage for the prior to freezing. The stream will of the forage mix.
planned grazing period will not provide water for the livestock in
Alfalfa Bud Stage - 6***
be the same throughout the the event that the well of pipline
Creeping Foxtail 6 8-10 3 6 grazing season. The strategy Diagram 7. Fence Location Map
should fail.
Green Needlegrass 4-5 6-8 3 5 for dealing with this variability
Inter. Wheatgrass 4-5 8-14 4 6 is this:
• Plan using average Heavy use Area Protection
Kentucky Bluegrass 2 4-6 2 4
growing conditions.
Orchardgrass 3-4 6-10 3 6
• Vary the length of the Where the lanes cross the stream,
Perennial Ryegrass 3-4 5-7 3 4****
grazing period the stream banks and channel will
Pubescent 4-5 8-14 4 6 throughout the grazing be shaped and stream crossings
Wheatgrass
season when paddock will be installed using heavy use
Reed Canarygrass 4-5 8-8 4 6 size is fixed. area protection measures.
Because the water tanks are
Russian Wildrye 4 5-7 3 4 • Vary the size of the
portable they do not require
Slender Wheatgrass 4-5 6-12 3 6 paddock when the size is
heavy use area protection.
Smooth Brome 4 8-14 4 6
not fixed, as in a strip
grazing system.
Tall Fescue 4 6-10 3 6 Diagram 8. Water Location Map
Tall Wheatgrass 4-5 8-14 4 6
Timothy 4 6-10 4 5
Western Wheatgrass 4 6-10 4 5
Big Bluestem 10-14 6 6
Indiangrass 10-14 6 6
Little Bluestem 5-7 3 4
Sand Bluestem 8-14 6 6
Sideoats Grama 5-7 3 4
Switchgrass 12-20 8 10
Source: Minnesota NRCS Conservation Practice Standard #528A, Prescribed Grazing.
* This applies only to the initial grazing in the spring (early May). The livestock must be moved rapidly through the
paddocks during this time to prevent overgrazing and to keep the forage from “getting ahead of the livestock.”
** Minimum stubble height is critical if stand is to be maintained. This applies to that part of the grazing season after the
initial rapid growth period in early May, as well as the end of the grazing season.
*** The last harvest of alfalfa for pasture or hay should generally be made 35-45 days prior to the time when the first hard
freeze typically occurs.
**** Regrowth should be grazed to 2 inches after dormancy and prior to snow cover.
14 31October. The forage balance Fencing System The paddock size times the more uniform grazing. Long, Paddock layout will also be
indicates that some of the pasture minimum number of paddocks narrow paddocks generally are influenced by the location of lanes
may be harvested for hay in the Perimeter fences are already in provides us with the minimum overgrazed at one end and for the movement of livestock.
spring, and this will be done place and are in adequate required size of the total pasture underutilized at the other end. These lanes should connect all
when weather conditions appear condition. Interior fences will be unit. If the existing pasture is Paddocks should be planned so paddocks so that livestock can be
to be favorable to forage constructed to subdivide the larger than this minimum area, that livestock do not have to moved to any paddock from the
regrowth. This will provide feed pasture into paddocks using 1 or more paddocks can be planned travel more than 800 feet to get one they currently occupy,
for the months of September and 2 strands of high tensile wire. for. This will likely provide more water. This will encourage more allowing for maximum flexibility
October. Refer to the Grazing Locations of the fences are shown than enough forage in the spring, water consumption by the in forage management.
System Management portion of on the Grazing Plan Map some of which could then be livestock and more uniform
this plan for information related (Diagram 7). harvested for hay. Having more grazing within the paddock.
to grass management and paddocks than the required Livestock tend to utilize the
sacrificial paddocks to be used The installation of the interior minimum will reduce the risk of forages close to water much more
during this time period. fences will break the pasture unit running out of forage during the than forages farther from the
into ten paddocks, ranging from midsummer slump that cool water. Additional adjustments
7-10 acres each. Approximately season pastures normally may be required based upon
13,000 feet of interior fence is experience. access to water sources, which
required for this system. During may have an impact on the shape
periods of average growth, each If the acreage of the required of the paddocks in a grazing
paddock will be capable of minimum number of pastures is system, particularly in situations
Table 11. Livestock Forage Monthly Balance Sheet – Current Forage Summary approximately 2-4 days of more than the existing pasture where natural water sources, such
grazing. In addition to acreage, additional acreage as ponds and streams, are
Forage Availability Per Month should be devoted to pasture to utilized.
(lbs x 1000) subdividing the pasture, lanes
Forage Total avoid running out of usable
Yield Yield will be constructed. The lanes
Field Kind of Forage (lbs/acre) Acres (lbs) May June July Aug Sept Oct will allow movement of the forage during the midsummer
Red Clover/ livestock from a paddock to any slump.
Rented 4,500 30 135,000 33.8 54.0 27.0 13.5 6.8 0.0
Orchardgrass
other without passing through a
Red Clover/ What are some considerations for
Owned
K. Bluegrass
3,500 38 133,000 33.3 53.2 26.6 13.3 6.7 0.0 recently grazed paddock.
paddock layout?
Owned Reed Canarygrass 3,500 17 59,500 11.9 17.9 14.9 6.0 6.0 3.0
Some adjustments need to be Table 6. Estimated dry matter yield per acre-inch for various forages at three stand
S.
Owned
Bromegrass/Alfalfa
4,500 20 49,500 for hay for hay 31.5 18.0 0.0 0.0 made to the size of each paddock densities
so they have equal productivity. Forage Stand Density1
The information gathered during Fair* Good** Excellent***
the inventory process is useful
Total lbs. Forage Available (x 1000) 377,000 79.0 125.1 100.0 50.8 19.5 3.0
when determining the paddock lb. Dry matter/acre-inch
Total lbs. Forage Required by Livestock (x 1000) 312,000 50.4 50.4 52.8 52.8 52.8 52.8
layout. Each paddock should Bluegrass/White Clover 150-250 300-400 500-600
Total lbs. Forage Excess or Deficiency (x 1000) 65,000 28.6 74.7 47.2 -2.0 -33.3 -49.8 have: Tall Fescue+Nitrogen Fert. 150-250 250-350 350-450
• Similar soils (refer to Tall Fescue/Legume 100-200 200-300 300-400
Diagram 2) Smooth Bromegrass/Legumes 150-250 250-350 350-450
• Similar slope aspect Orchardgrass/Legumes 100-200 200-300 300-400
Table 12. Livestock Forage Monthly Balance Sheet – Current Livestock Summary
(north facing, south Mixed Pasture 150-250 250-350 350-450
Forage Requirements Per Month
facing, etc.) Alfalfa or Red Clover 150-250 200-250 250-300
(lbs x 1000)
Kind/Class Number of Average Monthly • Similar topography Native Tall Warm-Season Grasses 50-100 100-200 200-300
Livestock Animals Weight Utilization May June July Aug Sept Oct • Similar forages (refer to Source: USDA-NRCS (MN)
Beef Diagram 4) 1
Stand condition is based on visual estimate of green plant ground cover after being grazed to a 2-4
35 1200 1.2 50.4 50.4 50.4 50.4 50.4 50.4 inch stubble height.
cow/calf
* Fair Condition: Less than 75% ground cover or greater than 25% bare ground.
Herd bull
The shape of the paddocks is ** Good Condition: 75-90% ground cover or 10-25% bare ground.
1 2000 1 .2 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4
significant. Paddocks should be *** Excellent Condition: At least 90% ground cover or less than 10% bare ground.
as square as possible to promote
Totals 36 50.4 50.4 52.8 52.8 52.8 52.8
*0.04 daily utilization rate (includes forage waste) x 30 days/month.
30 15Fence Design and Layout
b.) The flood-prone area can
What kind of fence should I install? 2. Woven Wire Fences
Woven wire is a traditional type of fence. It is
Grazing Plan Example easily be damaged by
livestock traffic during
The kind of fence that should be installed depends
upon: used primarily for hogs and sheep. Woven wire periods of wet weather or
• Purpose of the fence fences normally have one or two strands of shortly after flooded
barbed wire installed above the woven wire. This section presents an example cause streambank erosion conditions. Proper
• Kind and class of livestock to be contained of a grazing plan. It represents a as well as degrade water
Advantages: monitoring of the grazing
• Operator preference starting point for a rotational quality. Manage these
• Not dependent on electrical power. Is useful in system will avoid damage
• Predator control grazing system. Seven elements resources by breaking the to this area.
remote locations.
• Cost of the plan are illustrated: pasture into smaller
• Provides barrier for smaller kinds of livestock
• Sensitive Areas paddocks and reducing the c.) The steep slope (Diagram
(sheep, hogs).
Permanent or temporary fences may define • Livestock Summary amount of time the 6), which is also drought
Disadvantages:
paddocks within the grazing unit. During initial • Fencing System livestock have access to prone, is a sensitive area
stages of paddock layout many producers prefer to
• Cannot be powered, provides only a physical • Livestock Watering System any segment of the stream.
barrier. because it is easily
use temporary fences to create paddocks and lanes. • Heavy Use Area Protection damaged by over-
This allows for easy adjustment of the layout as • Requires much labor to install. • Forages Currently the streambanks utilization and livestock
producers learn what size paddock they need, how to • Not easily moved. • Grazing System Management are in poor condition in traffic. This area can be
easily accomplish livestock movement, and how • Weed and vegetative growth promotes snow some locations. This is managed closely by
forages react to managed grazing. After gaining piling. This plan is based upon the due to the livestock subdividing the pasture
experience, the producers usually install some type information gathered in the traveling to the stream to into paddocks, rotating the
of permanent fence to define paddocks and lanes. 3. Barbed Wire Fences inventory phase of plan get water. Reduce the grazing, and monitoring
Barbed wire is a traditional type of fence, which development. impact of the herd on the the condition of the forage
A. Permanent Fences: is still quite popular. Barbed wire fences should stream by subdividing the and soil to prevent
Permanent fences are used for the perimeters of be at least 4 strands for perimeter fences. When Sensitive Areas pasture, rotating the damage.
pasture systems, livestock corrals, and handling used for interior fences, they are typically 3 or 4 grazing, and providing
The following sensitive areas are
facilities. Sometimes they are used to subdivide strands. Barbed wire should never be electrified alternative drinking
because of greater potential for animal injury.
identified in this grazing unit
facilities for the livestock.
Livestock Summary
pastures into paddocks. This is especially true
(Diagram 6):
for certain kinds and classes of livestock, such as Advantages: With the planned Currently there are 25 cow/calf
bison. • Not dependent upon electrical power, thus is subdivision of the pasture, pairs using the pasture. This plan
a.) The stream flowing
useful in remote areas. the livestock will have considers increasing the size of
through the pasture is a
1. High Tensile Wire Fences • Most producers are experienced with access to the stream from the herd to 35 cow/calf pairs.
sensitive area because
This is a relatively new type of fence, which has construction of barbed wire fences. only three paddocks. The average weight of the cows is
uncontrolled access to this
become increasingly popular in recent years. Disadvantages: 1200 pounds. These animals are
area by the livestock will
Typically perimeter fences are 4-6 strands of • Not easily moved. currently managed as one herd.
wire and interior fences are 1-2 strands of wire. • Provides only a physical barrier. Diagram 6. Pasture Inventory Map
In addition, a herd bull with an
Advantages: • Susceptible to damage from snow accumulation. average weight of 2000 pounds,
• Relatively easy to install and maintain. will be used.
• Can be powered to provide a psychological as B. Temporary Fences:
well as physical barrier. The primary uses of temporary fence are to Monthly and season-long forage
• Several contractors available to do installation. define paddocks within a pasture system, direct requirements are estimated on the
Disadvantages: the grazing within a paddock to areas that are Livestock Forage Monthly
Balance Sheet (Table 11). This
• Requires some special equipment, such as a post being underutilized, and to fence in areas that
are grazed only occasionally or not part of a indicates that there will be a
driver for installing wooden posts.
regularly-rotated pasture system. surplus of forage on a season-
• Fences with several strands of wire are not easily
long basis. The monthly balance
moved.
Temporary fences are usually constructed with indicates that there will be
• Wire is difficult to handle if fence is to be adequate to surplus quantities of
moved. step-in posts and polywire, polytape, light gauge
steel or aluminum wire, and require an electrical forage through July, and a very
source. Easy and quick to move, these fences do small shortage of forage in
not require tools for setup. In addition, these August. A rather large
fences are very light and do not require bracing. deficiency occurs during the
months of September and
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