For release: Aug. 1, 2003
Contact: Roger Gates, (605) 394-2236

Grazing Systems Require Thoughtful Planning

 BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Starting and maintaining a successful grazing system is a challenge, but holds many potential benefits for livestock producers.

SDSU Extension Range Specialist Roger Gates said grazing systems will be an important topic in the upcoming South Dakota Grazing School, “Managed Grazing – Pathway to Profit.” The grazing school takes place Sept. 9-11 at the CLC Ranch overlooking the Missouri River and at Al's Oasis in Oacoma.

Grazing systems can range in complexity from continuous, season-long grazing on a single pasture, to a simple two-pasture rotation to a multiple-paddock, rapid rotation approach.

"There is no magic about a grazing system that guarantees improved production. Likewise, grazing systems should not be viewed as an end in themselves, but a tool to achieve particular objectives," Gates said. "No single grazing system will be equally successful in achieving the objectives most important to any particular ranch."

A planned grazing system provides the opportunity to use the defoliation of plants in a beneficial manner. The critical factors are when the defoliation occurs and the duration of time for which a plant is exposed to defoliation.

Gates said standard guidelines for proper utilization -- such as “take half and leave half,” and “never graze a pasture at them same time of year two years in a row” -- are no less important when a grazing system is established. The right grazing system should help achieve those guidelines.

Logistical requirements to institute a more intensive grazing plan often include water development and fencing.  Consider such investments carefully. The operation's anticipated improvements in financial returns must be sufficient to justify the projected cost.

"Generally speaking, grazing systems improve utilization as livestock eat pastures more uniformly because of less selective grazing," Gates said. "Distribution of livestock within the pasture can be improved, especially in rough country."

A planned grazing system usually builds in a deferment, a period of non-use which benefits vegetation. Environmentally sensitive riparian areas often benefit from a grazing system which may avoid the overgrazing which sometimes accompanies season-long grazing. If a grazing system improves harvest efficiency, an operation can realize long-term increases in stocking rate of 10-25 percent.

Other potential benefits of carefully managed grazing include: reduced erosion, improved water quality, increased forage production, improved range condition, maximized vigor, seed production and establishment of key plants, better distribution of forage supply throughout the growing season, greater flexibility and enhanced wildlife habitat.

"Successful grazing management begins with a careful and thorough inventory of resources," Gates said. "Realistic goals should guide the development of a grazing plan.  Flexibility, careful monitoring and timely adjustment of plans can help producers reach their goals. The best plans will also include contingencies to guide management responses to disasters such as drought, blizzard or flooding."

 The registration deadline for the upcoming South Dakota Grazing School is Aug. 26. The cost is $150 per person. Information brochures, which include registration forms, are available in county Extension and NRCS offices. For more details contact Barry Dunn, (605) 688-5455; Roger Gates, (605) 394-2236; Judge Jessop, (605) 895-2301; or Dave Schmidt, (605) 352-1200.
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Lance Nixon, Editor
AgBio Communications Unit
South Dakota State University
ACC, Box 2231, Rm 200
Brookings SD 57007
Telephone: (605) 688-4653
LANCE_NIXON@SDSTATE.EDU