Grazing and Grazing Management

Positive Impacts

Proper management– Reduced erosion– Improved water quality – Food for wildlife– Habitat and cover for wildlife

Increased wildlife populations

NRCS photo

NRCS photo

Positive Impacts

Rotational Grazing

– Stronger, thicker grass stand Crowd out undesirable weeds Less soil erosion Improved water quality

– Removal of deteriorating vegetation– Increase of diversity through increase forbs

NRCS photo

Positive Impacts

Improved Forages– Small mammal & upland

game birds Energy-rich seeds Vegetation Cover Forbs Grasshoppers

Positive Impacts

Improved Habitat– Grazing – patchy, mosaic pattern

Feeding, nesting, and hiding sites Encouraged establishment of shrubs

– Ground squirrels and small rodents Birds of prey

– Selective grazing Create travel corridors Remove rank grass

NRCS photo

Potential Negative Impacts

Improper Grazing– Reduced nest sites for upland game and waterfowl – Decreased water quality – Trampled nests for waterfowl – Disturbed big game during fawning – Reduced cover that permits wildlife to hide from

predators

Potential Negative Impacts, Cont.

Improper Grazing, continued– Reduced biomass of desirable wildlife forage – Increased noxious weed populations – Decreased vegetative diversity for bird, mammal, and

insect communities – Increased attraction of predators – Potential spread of parasites

or disease

Key Elements - Grazing Management

Each operation is UNIQUE Key elements Root Growth

– Overgrazing– 50% or more of plant is removed

“Squeezing More – Means Less”

% Grass Plan Removed % Root Growth

10% 0%

20% 0%

30% 0%

40% 0%

50% 2-4%

60% 50%

70% 78%

80% 100%

90% 100%

Best Management Practices

Subdivide large pastures into smaller pastures

Rotation Corral – hay 50% of grass has been

eaten Winter – continue

pasture rotation

Best Management Practices

Long rest periods or High-intensity, short-

duration Water source Irrigate after grazing Do not graze on wet

soils. NRCS photos

Best Management Practices

Grazing Schedule – Depends upon

Climate Moisture

Provide Water– Both wildlife and livestock benefit– Divide into small pastures