As ranchers, we know a lot goes into the product we create. We’re purchasing insurance for the farm, maintaining pastures, cutting and baling dry forage, maintaining buildings on property, breeding and selling livestock, and keeping up with veterinary records and vaccinations. We make small decisions each day to ensure the success of the herd and the farm. Today we’ll talk about some of those decisions – specifically related to grazing. Stick with Dark Hammock Legacy Ranch to continue learning here or on our blog.
Pasture Rotation
We’ve talked a lot previously about pasture rotation and best management practices, but let’s dive deeper into some of the best techniques for doing so, and the factors you should be taking into consideration when you make the decision to rotate. Pasture rotation is important to preserving the grass stalks as well as getting your cattle the best nutrients. You decide what to prioritize with rotation timing.
Grazing Height
If you allow your cattle to graze the grass closer to the ground, it may take longer for the grass to recuperate. However, if you’re using a lower-growing grass with leaves closer to the ground, your cows will get more nutrients by grazing low. The grass holds more nutrients in the leaves and tops as opposed to the stem close to the ground.
Other Rotational Methods
Instead of purely switching among different paddocks on your ranch, there are some strategies you could use. One is called “first/last grazing,” where the animals who need the highest nutritional content get first access to the pasture and the best greens. They’re then rotated into the next paddock, and the second group of cattle is put into the first pasture, and so on and so forth. See what works best for you, your growing seasons, and ranch.
At Dark Hammock, we’re committed to providing quality beef while helping to protect our earth. To support your community and bring nutritious, delicious meals to your family’s table, visit our website to purchase your own grass-fed beef.
