Gallagher Expert Series: Boost Your Bottom Line with Rotational Grazing
Friday, 13 December, 2024
Rotational grazing is a powerful tool for improving farm sustainability and productivity. By strategically moving livestock between pastures, farmers can enhance water availability, reduce parasite loads, improve animal well-being and reduce droughts and flooding. In addition, this practice has significant economic benefits by lowering treatment costs and increasing overall farm efficiency.
Increased Water Availability
Increased water availability comes from rotational grazing, which improves plant cover, soil structure, water infiltration, and water storage while reducing water evaporation and soil temperature. Even a 1% increase in organic matter can store an impressive 27,000 additional gallons of water per acre, significantly boosting forage production, especially during dry periods.
Reduction Of Parasites
It is vital to practice rotational grazing, select adapted livestock, and maintain higher grazing heights to minimize livestock harm from internal parasites and eliminate the need for dewormers.
With treatment costs of $12 per cow and $6 per calf, the potential savings can be significant just by maintaining minimum grazing heights and allowing for rest between grazing longer than the lifecycle of the parasite. Since the lifecycle of the most detrimental internal parasites is around 21 days, resting the pastures longer allows the larvae to die off before regrazing, decreasing the need for dewormers.
Additionally, using fewer insecticides benefits soil life, reducing fly larvae and increasing beneficials such as dung beetles.
Improved Animal Well-being
When animals are rotated, the last ones through the gate are often older or less thrifty due to factors like age, sore feet, or poor nutrition. This allows for the opportunity to address their needs or consider culling them. Regularly rotating animals gives you a chance to monitor their rumen fill, manure quality, and overall body condition.
Steve and Judy Freeman have operated Woods Fork Cattle Company LLC for over 30 years in southern Missouri. They’ve developed a low-input, forage-based breeding system that aligns with the natural grass growth cycle.
"The keys to lowering costs and increasing profit for our farm are matching the nutritional needs of the mama cows with nature's forage cycle and then using managed grazing to best utilize the grass. Portable electric fences are used every day in our management decisions." Steve Freeman.
Less Droughts And Flooding
Fewer droughts and floods benefit both us and our neighbours. Improved soil health improves infiltration and reduces runoff, which contributes to less frequent droughts and flooding. This not only benefits producers but also society as a whole. While it's difficult to put a monetary value on the reduction of droughts and floods, it serves as insurance for our community.
Happier Livestock, Happier People
Rotational grazing has the potential to greatly improve your farm's bottom line with minimal resource input, while also improving productivity and protecting the environment. This regenerative practice typically involves managing the whole system: adapted livestock, good grass, and good management. When the soil is healthy, the grass thrives, leading to happier livestock and, ultimately, happier people.
This article was written in collaboration with expert agricultural consultant Greg Brann
Greg Brann Consulting is renowned for Greg’s extensive knowledge of soil health, grass and livestock management systems, and plant identification. With over 40 years of experience in land and pasture management, Greg has developed tailored land management plans that offer practical ideas to help clients achieve their goals. With a BS degree in Plant and Soil Science and extensive experience as the State Grazing Land Soil Health Specialist, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge to his role.