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General Principals of Grazing Management
Grazing involves a number of variables, including land carrying capacity, type and distribution of the livestock, water distribution and number of pastures. A combination of proper grazing techniques and grassland management will improve harvest efficiency and lower production costs.
Grazing Systems
According to rangeland and pasture specialists, there are four basic types of grazing systems, including: continuous grazing, deferred rotational grazing, rest rotational grazing and management-intensive grazing.
Designing a Grazing Program
The development of a successful grazing management program begins with a mental inventory and an observation of what is happening that you would like to change. Next, consider what you are willing to do to make that change.
When To Graze and How Much To Graze
While every grazing management system is unique, there are a few similarities between systems when determining when to graze. Learn some of the factors to consider to avoid overgrazing.
Haying and Mowing/Clipping
While grazing is the primary means of harvesting the majority of South Dakota’s native grasslands, haying also plays an important role in native and tame grassland management.
Swath/Bale Grazing
Swath grazing and bale grazing are harvest systems that mesh haying and grazing techniques. Generally, the objective is to reduce labor and equipment expenses by allowing livestock to consume the hay crop in the field.
Hay Harvest Contracting
For those landowners who typically lease or harvest grasslands for hay, contracting for services is a learned business that can have local variations in how the grass and associated services are valued.
Fertilizing Grasslands
Grassland fertilization, like many other grassland management topics, is highly dependent on certain parameters, such as soil type, vegetation type and harvest methods.
Grazing Contracting
For those who own grasslands not typically grazed, or for those looking for a better contract basis, there are several grazing contract options that can be explored.
Winter Grazing
The predominant factor in winter grazing is ensuring adequate forage availability while considering long-term range health. When managed correctly, grazing winter range can be a viable option for controlling feed costs without negatively impacting rangelands.