Pasture Mangement Reminders

This time of year, one of my favorite sights is cows in lush green pastures. I always imagine smiles on their faces at the plentiful forage. University of Idaho Beef Cattle Extension Specialist Dr. Benton Glaze shares pasture management information to consider prior to turning your cattle out to graze.
Glaze: “One of the first things to think about is to gain an understanding and knowledge of what is out there in the pasture. Maybe some species and the general lay of the land — so that they know what the potential of that acreage is. And then start the process of understanding how to manage it.
Dr. Glaze adds to consider what forage species are currently available and their nutritional value.
Glaze: “The species of grass or the other forage species in that mix. What kind of nutrition those species can provide for the animal. I also think it is a good idea before turning animals into a pasture that they walk through there, drive through there, or ride through there. To take a look to see if any new plants have come in from time to time and some of those might be poisonous plants. If so, take note of that so that they don’t potentially harm any animals.”
He concludes with the wise grazing adage
Glaze: “The general rule of thumb is take half and leave half for good root growth and good root health.”