Holistic Planned Grazing for Dummies
The following process was developed by Ben Bartlett, DVM, from
1) Outline objectives for both the grazing livestock and the grazing land.
A holisticgoal, or at least a farm or ranch plan that addresses financial, environmental, and social objectives, is the best option for determining objectives. For example:
Husband and wife unit with 40 beef cows for recreation and some income, requiring simplicity of management, wanting to decrease costs, sell weaned calves in autumn, and make winter feed.
2) Determine grazing and stored feed parameters and potential yield.
For example, the acreage of the areas to be grazed or mechanically harvested, the expected yield in terms of tons of mechanical harvest or the number of times each area could be grazed.
3) Identify feed needs for grazing and non-grazing periods.
For example, 40 cows (including replacements and bulls)
Assume 1,200 lbs (545 kg) of feed harvested per acre per grazing.
Assume 1 cow grazes 45 lbs (20.45 kg) grass per day.
So, 40 cows graze 1,800 lbs (818 kg) per day.
So, number of acres needed per day = 1,800 divided by 1,200 = 1.5 acres per day
Stored feed 35 lbs (16 kg) feed per cow/day x 40 head = 1,400 lbs (636 kg) x 180 days = 126 tons.
4) Make note on grazing plan of special considerations.
For example, sheltered calving area, paddock used for hunting, area too wet for grazing during damp autumn season, weaning paddocks.
5) Schedule in the number of days grazing.
For example, number of days grazing (D) by area and by month or the tonnage of mechanical harvest (T) by area and by month. This was completed by working backwards from the previously identified special considerations and considering necessary recovery periods for grasses.
6) Review plan.
Review for appropriate recovery times, identify flexible use of acreage (hay or graze), double check for considerations, and identify animal production goals that determine successful grazing practices.
To see a sample plan, click here.
To download an excel spreadsheet, click here.
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