3-3 IAN Pasture Management
A surprising piece of research about grazing on pastureland…may be a bad surprise for the Western Watersheds Project. The Western image of livestock grazing on expansive rangeland is an important component of livestock production, but it is only part of the picture, according to Northwest researchers who recently produced a new guide to pasture management.
Irrigated pastures, rich and green through the heat of summer, play an important role in beef and dairy operations, said Glenn E. Shewmaker of Idaho and Mylen Bohle, who edited the newly released 203-page book "Pasture and Grazing Management in the Northwest."
The pasture guide grew from the work of a decades-old informal group. Five years ago during a meeting, group members decided to tackle the need to provide a regional comprehensive education effort focused on pastures.
October is a critical time that they be allowed to rest so they have their batteries fully charged for the spring growth season."
Here’s the part that might surprise conservationists. “I think there’s room for livestock, wildlife, birds to be out there and in most instances the livestock can leave the rangeland in better condition if it’s done right. If it’s done improperly, there can be some damage done.”
