Have you thought about Rotational Grazing?
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offers technical and financial assistance for managing grazing.

Learn More - Have you thought about Rotation grazing? Brochure - USDA - NRCS
What is Grazing Management?
Grazing Management Systems aim to produce high-quality forage to feed livestock for as much of the year as possible. There are several different system options: continuous, simple rotational, and intensive rotational.

Learn more - Grazing Management brochure - USDA - NRCS
Economics of Grazing
Direct Savings: 
*Fuel
*Commercial fertilizer
*Feed
*Labor
Indirect Savings:
* Lower veterinarian bills
* Less equipment wear and tear
* Improved forage yield and quantity
* Improved productivity allows for more grazing days per year
* Reduced amount of feed needing stored throughout winter
* Reduced total amount of manure needing stored


Having less manure to handle and less feed to store the average farm can see fuel savings of 143 gallons per year. 

Savings per year (on average): $64 per beef animal, $23 per sheep, $65 per dairy animal

Learn more - Grazing Economics Brochure - USDA - NRCS
    Environmental Benefits
  • By taking highly erodible cropland out of production and converting it to a grass based rotational grazing system, farmers have saved an average 1.4 tons of soil per acre per year
  • Rotational grazing is a best management practice for nutrient management and is a low input method of farming
  • Installing stream bank fencing as part of the plan helps:
                1. prevent accelerated erosion from livestock
                2. improve drinking water quality for livestock
                3. increase aquatic species & wildlife on the farm
Suggested Stocking Rates
Stocking rate: Number of animals one acre of pasture can support
Numbers depend on: soil type, forage type, climate, type of animal and the management of the grazier
General Guide:
Beef: 1 cow and calf per 1.4 acres
Dairy: 1 cow per 1.7 acres
Horse: 1 horse per 1.2 acres
Sheep: 4 to 6 ewes per 1 acre
Tips for getting started. 
  • Get information. Talk to other farmers, service agencies and conservation districts who are involved in Southwest Project Grass.
  • Water is important. Try to provide water in each paddock.
  • A good fence is essential. A minimum of one strand for dairy and beef, and minimum of three strands for sheep. A good fence charger is the heart of the system.
  • Manage your existing pasture. See what will produce before renovating your pasture.
  • Plan your layout. Use alleyways and factor in animal movement, liming and fertilizing machines and clipping machines.
  • Gates. Place all gates in the corner of the paddock that is closest to the barn.
  • Forage pastures. A multi-species forage pasture is better than a one-specie forage pasture.
  • Plan. Livestock need fed year round. Make sure to have extra acres for summer and fall grazing. Plus develop a winter feeding program. 
  • Size. Paddocks need sized to allow for one to seven days of grazing - Shorter occupations time are better.
Watering facility - what are my options?
Livestock watering facilities are permanent or temporary systems that ensure livestock have regular access to clean water to meet their daily requirements. 

Watering Facility Info Brochure - USDA - NRCS
Fencing - What are my options?

Fencing provides a barrier to control livestock, wildlife, or human movement, or to limit access to an area or property. Fences can be permanent or temporary.

Learn more - Fence Brochure - USDA - NRCS
Spring Developments - What are my options?

A spring development takes advantage of wet areas in pastures by collecting water for use. They are developed to provide clean drinking water for livestock, wildlife, or other conservation needs.

Learn more - Spring Development Brochure - USDA - NRCS