University of Minnesota

Dairy Initiatives

Dairy

Department of Animal Science


D A I R Y   I n i t i a t i v e s   N E W S L E T T E R
V o l u m e   8      I s s u e   1       S p r i n g   1 9 9 9

Grazing Tips

GREG CUOMO, DENNIS JOHNSON,
FRANK FORCELLA, and MARGOT RUDSTROM
West Central Research and Outreach Center

Grazing pastures can be profitable for Minnesota farmers. Pastures, however, are often not as productive as they could be. A three-year study at the West Central Experiment Station provides some valuable insights into how grazing intensity and pasture renovation can improve pasture productivity and your farm's profitability.

In the study, plots were grazed to leave 2 to 4, 4 to 6, or 6 to 8 inches of residue after grazing. At the beginning of the study, pastures were primarily smooth bromegrass, bluegrass, and quack grass. Pasture renovation involved spraying 0.75 lb/acre glyphosate when pastures were 4 inches tall in the spring and no-till drilling 1) alfalfa, 2) red clover and bird's-foot trefoil, or 3) a graziers mix with many legumes and grasses. One area was left untreated.

Grazing intensity

Pastures that that were grazed to leave 2 to 4 inches of residue produced less forage (4.7 tons/acre/year) than pastures grazed to leave 4 to 6 (5.4 tons/acre/year) or 6 to 8 inches (5.5 tons/acre/year) of residue.

Producers often feel if forage is left in a pasture after grazing, the forage is "wasted." This study and other research shows just the opposite. Forage left in a pasture after grazing helps the pasture to regrow more quickly. This means more forage is available for the next grazing.

Pasture renovation

All pasture renovation treatments produced more forage than the control. Over the three years of the study, alfalfa produced 7.0 tons/acre more, the clover-trefoil produced 3.8 tons/acre more, and the graziers mix produced 5.5 tons/acre more. Of the many species planted, alfalfa, orchardgrass, and red clover were the most persistent. Taking into account seed, herbicide, machinery, and labor expenses, the additional forage produced cost $8.07 for the alfalfa, $12.81 for the clover/trefoil, and $9.95 for the graziers mix. These costs are about 10% to 15% of the cost of purchasing that forage as hay and don't include the benefits of increased forage quality and intake or the fact that these pastures lasted beyond the study.

Conclusion

Management that leaves at least 4 inches of residue after grazing and includes adapted legumes and grasses can increase the production and profitability of pastures in Minnesota.

For more information on grazing:

Pastures for Profit: A Guide to Rotational Grazing (A3529), 36-page bulletin available at county Extension offices.

Grazing from A to Z, two-day grazing workshops, August 2-3 at Morris and August 5-6 at Grand Rapids. Contact Jean Spohr, West Central Research and Outreach Center, 320/589-1711.

Nine Steps to a Productive Pasture

Many farms have 15 or 20 acres of unmanaged pasture that is summer home for a group of unmanaged heifers or dry cows. This bluegrass and Canadian thistle patch may have more productive capacity than you ever imagined with little extra effort on your part. Steps to productivity are:

  1. Write a goal for the pasture and make a plan to reach the goal.
  2. Check fertility and add manure to improve fertility.
  3. Monitor weeds and identify a low-input strategy for control.
  4. Introduce a locally adapted legume such as alfalfa or red clover.
  5. Check perimeter fence for stock-worthiness.
  6. Organize several paddocks for easy-to-move internal fences and water.
  7. Stock for short grazing (1 to 3 days) and long rest (21 to 30 days) periods.
  8. Supplement heifers if needed to maintain a reasonable growth rate.
  9. Watch your pastures improve and your profits grow.

 

D A I R Y    I n i t i a t i v e s    N E W S L E T T E R
Volume 8      Issue 1    Spring 1999