Forage and Grazing Opportunities

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Grazing Basics
Central Wisconsin Grazing Meetings March 2008
Craig Saxe UW-Extension, Juneau Co. 211 Hickory
Street Mauston WI 53948 [phone] craig.saxe_at_
ces.uwex.edu
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Well be covering

• What is rotational grazing
• Why use rotational grazing
• Understanding plant growth
• Setting up a grazing system
• Fencing, watering and frost seeding
• Grazing tips

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Grazing Tips
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Management is our most important inputfor
productivity
C. Bradley
Management makes the difference between this
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Successful Pasture Management
And this
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Grazing Streamside Pastures
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Stockpile Forages

• Let forage accumulate 70-75 days before a normal
  killing frost
• At 2 acres per cow expect 40-60 days of
  stockpiled forage
• The goal should be to provide the greatest amount
  of leaf material
• Growing or Lactating animals may need more

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Steps to effective grazing management

• Graze to the desired stubble height (take half,
  leave half-grazing rule of thumb)
• Allow adequate rest periods for grass regrowth
• Dont regraze a pasture until your key species
  has reached the desired height
• Avoid over or under grazing

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Steps to effective grazing management

• Apply fertilizer as needed (take a soil test)
• Re-seed pastures if necessary
• Control weeds and undesirable plants in pastures
  and adjacent areas
• Divide or subdivide grazing areas into smaller
  blocks, where feasible

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Grazing Management Tips

• Commit Yourself Totally To Making It Work
• Make The Transition Gradually
• Solicit A Lot Of Advice, But Make Your Own
  Decisions
• Stay Flexible And Keep Investments Low

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Grazing Management Tips

• Set reasonable goals
• Plan, monitor and modify plans to meet your
  objectives
• Be observant walk your property and look
• Keep records written and photographic

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http//www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/teamforage/index.htm
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http//www.uwex.edu/ces/cwas/