The grazing season got off to a dry start this year, and in most parts of the region has stayed that way. As I write this June 13th there is no rain in the forecast. So, how is your pasture holding up? It may be time to assess your grazing system and adapt to conditions. Management may need to be altered.
Mowing When pastures are dry, they will still need to be clipped periodically. Seedheads from weeds or grasses need to be removed to encourage grass regrowth and reduce weed pressure. Leaving the seeds or old weeds for the livestock to eat on the next rotation won’t work; the animals will head to the new, tenderer regrowth. Old pasture growth is also the least digestible and least nutritious. Weeds may not be bad for livestock to eat if they are tender (and not noxious).
Rotation Previous rotation systems may not work well this summer. Were you able to harvest as much hay as normal this spring? Did you have to dedicate hayfields to pasture sooner? For pastures to regrow, they may need to rest for a longer period. Temporary fencing may be needed to enclose a hayfield for short-term use. Electrification is critical to confine the livestock.
Livestock residency periods may need to be shortened this summer if it continues to be dry. There may be lower quantities of forage available and overgrazing needs to be prevented. Do you use a backwire to keep the livestock off the regrowth when the animals move to fresh grass?
Do you continuously graze? Even splitting the pasture in half to encourage regrowth would improve pasture yields.
Is there limited shade in your pastures? Maybe you should save that area for the really hot and humid weather. Livestock can use the shady areas on those days.
If you have limited access to pasture acreage, other options may need to be considered. Can you reduce the stocking density by possibly keeping some livestock in the barn? Another option may be to give the animals limited time on pastures and provide supplemental feed in the barn.
Water Sources and options may need to be evaluated. Does your livestock have limited access to a pond or stream for drinking water? Are the water levels high enough for them to drink? If temporary pastures are set up, do you need additional pipeline, hose or water wagon to bring water to the animals? Return lanes to the barn may be utilized, if the distance is not too far.
Sacrifice Area If pastures really get dry, the best option is to keep the livestock off and keep them in the barn or sacrifice area. A sacrifice is just what it sounds like. Don’t expect to keep grass growing in it. It is an area to confine animals to rest pastures, whether it is wet or dry. A barnyard works, if it doesn’t turn into a mud hole when it rains. Try to keep rainwater directed away from animal areas.
Obviously, during these times, livestock need supplemental feed and a water source. This takes planning ahead or additional purchases of hay. A portion of pasture may be used; renovation may be needed. Try to keep vegetation (grass filter strip) growing around the area, whether it is a pasture area or barnyard, to act as a filtration area.
Other options? Do you need to look at some emergency forage options? NOW is the time! Take a look at a warm-season annual, such as a cereal grain, sorghum-sudan cross or teff. This would provide some grazing once established until a killing frost occurs.
Long-term: Fall and winter are a good time to assess pastures and plan for next year. Have you soil tested lately to check fertility? Do pastures need to be renovated or frost-seeded or plowed up and reseeded? Do you have a mix of grasses in pastures, or individual pastures with different grass species? A variety of grasses helps fill in the grazing season, whether it is a wet, dry or average year.
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