Strip Grazing

As you have probably figured out by now, we are continuously trying to test the best way to get the best results from our pastures. Although we have used strip grazing in the past for our ryegrass fields, right now we are grazing two of our sudangrass fields. One we are giving the cattle exactly as much grass as they need but in small sections so that they eat the entire plant. In another group, we give them more room but do not move them quite as frequently. So far, the cattle in the bigger group are being a little pickier and mostly just eating the bigger leaves. This will allow the grass to grow back quicker but the cattle also knock more of the grass down as they walk through it.

The picture above is of the strip grazing group, you can see how closely they eat the lush grass down to the ground as we move the temporary fence back (you can see the small white fence posts).

We keep a close eye and document rate of gain, cattle nutrition, pasture health, and yields / acre. We can then share our results with our university Ag. partners (UK, Purdue, IU, Minnesota) as well as our farmer peers through field days that we host at our farm and at conferences.