Getting Started Grazing

Written By:

Editor:

Co Authors:

Dr. R. Mark Sulc
Extension Forage Specialist
Ohio State University Extension

Robert Hendershot
State Grazing Coordinator
Natural Resources Conservation Service

Ed Vollborn
Leader, Grazing Operations
Ohio State University Extension

Rory Lewandowski
Extension Agent, Agriculture
Ohio State University Extension

Dr. Steve Boyles
Extension Beef Specialist
Ohio State University Extension

David Samples
Extension Agent, Agriculture
Ohio State University Extension

Tom Noyes
Extension Agent, Dairy
Ohio State University Extension

Publication Design:
Agricultural Communication Consultants
Columbus, Ohio

Contents

• What Other Farmers Think About Management-Intensive Grazing
• Setting Economic GoaIs For Graziers
  • Keep Fixed Costs Low
  • Environmental Benefits of Management-lntensive Grazing
  • Forage Species Selection For Pastures
• Managing PIant Growth in Pastures
  • Energy Sources for Regrowth
  • Leafy Stage
  • Boot - Pre-bud Stage
  • Heading - Bud Stage
• Feeding Livestock On Pasture
  • Nutritional Requirements
  • Forage Quality And Intake
  • Monitoring The Animals
• Paddock Layout And Design
  • How big should my paddocks be?
• Providing Water For Grazing Systems
  • Does It Pay To Put Water In Each Paddock?
  • Sources of Water
• Paddock Layout and Water System Example
  • Intermediate Plan
  • Final Plan
• Additional information
  • Grazing Councils
  • Grazing Schools
  • Newsletters
  • Organizations
  • For More Information
• Ohio Rural Rehabilitation Program

The ruminant animals we work with on today's farms have practiced grazing since before mankind discovered fire. Animals herded together for protection from predators and rotationally grazed to find new sources of forage. Rotational grazing on farms perhaps had it's beginning with staking the animals out in a different locations or herding animals to different locations each day. Recorded history of the benefits of rotational grazing goes back at least to the 1700's.

Today we use the term Management-Intensive Grazing (MIG) to describe the art of grazing based on scientific principles. MIG is one of the most promising concepts in Agriculture today! It promises to lower costs while increasing productivity, and has proven to be one the most environmentally friendly agricultural enterprises currently practiced.

This brief publication is intended only as an introduction to introduce you to the concepts and Get You Started Grazing.