What is Rotational Grazing
Rotational Grazing is a management practice where pastures are subdivided into smaller paddocks so that grazing can be controlled. This practice allows forage in other paddocks that are not being grazed to be able to recover and deepen the grass root systems. Once a paddock is grazed to approximately 3″ of vegetation livestock are moved to a new paddock and the process is repeated.
Benefits
Rotational Grazing Increases Forage Production and Utilization
When using a rotational grazing system forage productivity increases due to rest periods that allow plants to replenish their root systems and enhances soil health. When cattle are given less pasture, they tend to eat more undesirable plants reducing weeds, and there is a decrease in forage trampling.
Rotational Grazing Improves Soil Health
By moving cattle through different parts of the farm, soil compaction is reduced and the spread of nutrients is increased. Plant health is increased due to lessened impacts from overgrazing and more regrowth time which leads to higher organic matter in the soil.
Rotational Grazing Improves Soil Health
By moving cattle through different parts of the farm, soil compaction is reduced and the spread of nutrients is increased. Plant health is increased due to lessened impacts from overgrazing and more regrowth time which leads to higher organic matter in the soil.
Rotational Grazing Extends the Grazing Season
Allowing for more control of grazing can give farmers the ability to follow a grazing plan. With smaller paddocks, certain paddocks can be left un-grazed and can grow and be saved for summer drought periods and winter grazing.
Rotational Grazing Increases Animal Control
Having Livestock in smaller paddocks makes it easier to locate and move cattle. Rotating livestock frequently gives more opportunity to analyze herd health and makes your animals more familiar with you.
Rotational Grazing Increases Animal Control
Having Livestock in smaller paddocks makes it easier to locate and move cattle. Rotating livestock frequently gives more opportunity to analyze herd health and makes your animals more familiar with you.
Resources
Planned Grazing
Learn the benefits of rotational grazing systems, and considerations when planning for your own operation. Rotational grazing has benefits for livestock nutrition, parasite control, and soil health.
Managing Grassland for Profit
Learn about rotational grazing management, the pros and cons of grazing systems, and considerations for your grazing operation. When planning a grazing system, it’s important to consider forage management.
Grazing Management and Soil Health
Proper grazing management helps improve soil health. Stocking rate, livestock rotation, utilization rate, and plant rest time are important aspects of good grazing management.
Controlled Grazing of Virginia’s Pastures
Learn about the benefits of controlled grazing, how controlled grazing influences pasture plants, and how to establish, manage, and extend a controlled grazing system.
