Stockpiling forage through intensive grazing management may be a cost-effective way to provide nutrition to cattle – St. John News

By Lisa Moser
Ok-State Research and Extension information service

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Just as gardeners handle produce in a different way relying on the time of the season, so do cattle producers handle pastures in order that the grazing season will be prolonged, stated Kansas State University beef cattle consultants on a current Cattle Chat podcast.

One method supplied by Beef Cattle Institute nutritionist Phillip Lancaster known as stockpiling forage.

“Stockpiling is the apply of eradicating cattle from a pasture to permit regrowth by way of the late summer season and early fall. This creates a pile of forage within the pasture than will be grazed by way of the late fall and early winter,” Lancaster stated.

The period of time cattle will be on the pastures will rely upon the grass selection being grazed.

“This administration method works properly for cool season grasses which are handled with nitrogen adopted by rain resulting in a great regrowth of the grass,” stated veterinarian Bob Larson.

Lancaster stated stockpiling will be executed on native grass pastures as properly, however the timing of grazing and administration will probably be totally different.

“Native vary pastures don’t have to be fertilized and cattle must come off the grass earlier in the summertime to permit for the forage to stockpile by way of the late summer season and into the autumn,” Lancaster stated.

With these potential prices, the consultants agree that producers want to take a look at the bills related to this administration technique to find out whether it is value efficient.

“Do the maths. One bale of hay will feed a cow for 40 days, whereas a stockpiled acre of pasture ought to carry that cow 90 days, however there are prices of fertilizer and labor that have to be factored in,” Lancaster stated.

Regarding labor, Lancaster stated strip grazing is a way that works properly for stockpiling forage. “With strip grazing a small space is contained by electrical fence and the cattle are allowed to graze that grass to the bottom earlier than being moved to a different space. Because this grass is dormant, producers don’t have to be involved about plant regrowth,” Lancaster stated.

An additional benefit is the distribution of manure throughout the pastures, stated Larson, which serves to assist fertilize the pastures naturally.

To hear the total dialogue, take heed to the Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast on-line.