Grazing and Grazing Management
Dec 18, 2015
Positive Impacts
Proper management– Reduced erosion– Improved water quality – Food for wildlife– Habitat and cover for wildlife
Increased wildlife populations
NRCS photo
NRCS photo
Positive Impacts
Rotational Grazing
– Stronger, thicker grass stand Crowd out undesirable weeds Less soil erosion Improved water quality
– Removal of deteriorating vegetation– Increase of diversity through increase forbs
NRCS photo
Positive Impacts
Improved Forages– Small mammal & upland
game birds Energy-rich seeds Vegetation Cover Forbs Grasshoppers
Positive Impacts
Improved Habitat– Grazing – patchy, mosaic pattern
Feeding, nesting, and hiding sites Encouraged establishment of shrubs
– Ground squirrels and small rodents Birds of prey
– Selective grazing Create travel corridors Remove rank grass
NRCS photo
Potential Negative Impacts
Improper Grazing– Reduced nest sites for upland game and waterfowl – Decreased water quality – Trampled nests for waterfowl – Disturbed big game during fawning – Reduced cover that permits wildlife to hide from
predators
Potential Negative Impacts, Cont.
Improper Grazing, continued– Reduced biomass of desirable wildlife forage – Increased noxious weed populations – Decreased vegetative diversity for bird, mammal, and
insect communities – Increased attraction of predators – Potential spread of parasites
or disease
Key Elements - Grazing Management
Each operation is UNIQUE Key elements Root Growth
– Overgrazing– 50% or more of plant is removed
“Squeezing More – Means Less”
% Grass Plan Removed % Root Growth
10% 0%
20% 0%
30% 0%
40% 0%
50% 2-4%
60% 50%
70% 78%
80% 100%
90% 100%
Best Management Practices
Subdivide large pastures into smaller pastures
Rotation Corral – hay 50% of grass has been
eaten Winter – continue
pasture rotation
Best Management Practices
Long rest periods or High-intensity, short-
duration Water source Irrigate after grazing Do not graze on wet
soils. NRCS photos