November 02, 2020

The Grazier's Math: Calculating Paddock Size, Stocking Rates, and Rest Periods

57 minutes

This episode of "The Poor Proles Almanac" picks up where the previous episode left off, focusing on the practical aspects of establishing and managing sustainable grazing systems. Fencing Options

The episode begins with a discussion of fencing options, highlighting the importance of containing livestock and protecting them from predators:

Woven wire fencing attached to T-posts is presented as a cost-effective and semi-permanent solution. This type of fencing is readily available, relatively easy to install and move, and suitable for a variety of livestock.

High-tensile electric fencing is highlighted as a popular and economical choice, particularly for larger properties. This type of fencing is less expensive than woven wire, easier to move, and effective at deterring predators. The hosts note that electric fencing requires proper grounding and regular maintenance to ensure its effectiveness.

Mesh electric netting is recommended for smaller animals like chickens, ducks, and goats, especially in areas with predator concerns. This type of fencing provides a more secure barrier than single-wire electric fencing but can be bulky and difficult to move without specialized equipment.

Traditional post-and-rail fencing, while aesthetically pleasing, is less practical for rotational grazing systems due to its high cost and lack of portability. The hosts suggest that using locally sourced wood, such as cedar, locust, or osage orange, can make this option more sustainable.

The hosts emphasize the importance of choosing a fencing system that aligns with the scale of the operation, the type of livestock being raised, and the level of predator pressure in the area. They also encourage listeners to consider the long-term sustainability of materials and the potential impact of supply chain disruptions when making decisions about fencing.

Water Systems

After discussing fencing, the hosts transition to the critical element of water in pasture systems:

Providing water within 800 feet of any point in a paddock is crucial to encourage uniform grazing and minimize energy expenditure by livestock. The hosts explain that animals will tend to overgraze areas closer to water if they have to travel long distances to drink.

Water temperature significantly affects animal consumption, with requirements increasing as temperatures rise. This underscores the importance of providing adequate shade and access to cool, clean water, especially during hot weather.

The hosts briefly touch on the impact of forage moisture on water needs, noting that animals may require less supplemental water when grazing lush, green pastures.

The episode primarily focuses on practical strategies for establishing water systems:

Using pond liners to create semi-permanent water sources is presented as a viable option.

Shallow buckets or troughs, sized appropriately for the number of animals, are suggested as a more portable but labor-intensive solution.

The hosts recommend developing a long-term plan for water infrastructure that minimizes external inputs and labor. This may involve utilizing existing water sources, collecting rainwater, or installing gravity-fed systems.

Grazing Systems and Management

The episode then shifts to a detailed exploration of various grazing systems and management techniques, starting with the concept of dry matter:

Dry matter is defined as the portion of forage that remains after moisture is removed and is a key metric for assessing pasture yield and animal intake.

The hosts explain that cattle and small ruminants typically consume 2.5-3% of their body weight in dry matter per day. This information is crucial for calculating stocking rates and determining appropriate paddock sizes.

The episode outlines several grazing systems, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages:

Continuous grazing, where livestock have unrestricted access to the entire pasture, is presented as the simplest but least efficient method. The hosts explain that continuous grazing leads to uneven grazing patterns, reduced forage quality, and an uneven distribution of manure nutrients.

Rotational grazing, involving dividing pastures into paddocks and moving livestock between them, is advocated as a more sustainable and productive approach. This system allows for rest periods for pasture regrowth, promotes more uniform grazing, and improves manure distribution.

The hosts discuss various forms of rotational grazing, including strip grazing, where animals are confined to narrow strips of pasture, and mob grazing, which involves high stocking densities and frequent moves.

The episode emphasizes the importance of matching the grazing system to the specific goals and constraints of the operation:

For beginners, starting with a basic rotational system and gradually intensifying management as experience is gained is recommended.

Factors to consider when choosing a system include the size of the property, the type of livestock, available labor, and desired outcomes, such as maximizing forage production or improving soil health.

Practical Considerations for Grazing Management

The episode concludes with a deep dive into the practical considerations of managing a rotational grazing system, offering specific guidance on calculating stocking rates and determining appropriate paddock sizes:

The concept of an “animal unit” (AU) is introduced, which represents the forage consumption of a 1,000-pound dry cow (approximately 25 pounds of dry matter per day). The hosts provide AU equivalents for various livestock species, emphasizing that these values can vary depending on factors like breed, age, and physiological state (e.g., lactating vs. dry cows).

The hosts provide a formula for calculating “available pasture,” which considers the height of the forage before and after grazing and the average dry matter yield per inch of height for a given region. They emphasize the importance of consulting local resources for accurate dry matter yield figures.

A step-by-step example is presented to illustrate how to calculate paddock size based on the AU of the herd, the desired grazing period (number of days), and the available pasture.

The hosts stress that paddock size is not a static figure and should be adjusted based on observations of pasture growth rates, animal behavior, and seasonal variations. They encourage listeners to develop an intuitive understanding of their pastures and to be flexible in their management.

Integrating Grazing with Pasture Health and Animal Welfare

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the interconnectedness of pasture health, animal welfare, and the long-term sustainability of grazing systems. They highlight several key considerations:

Managing grazing to prevent overgrazing is crucial for maintaining healthy pastures and preventing erosion. The hosts recommend leaving a minimum of 3 inches of residual forage height to allow for rapid regrowth and to protect the soil.

Strategic grazing can help control parasites by breaking their life cycles. Moving animals frequently and allowing for adequate rest periods can significantly reduce parasite loads in pastures.

Grazing multiple species of livestock can further enhance parasite control and improve pasture diversity. Different livestock species often have different grazing preferences and host different parasites, making multi-species grazing a valuable tool for sustainable pasture management.

The hosts advocate for a flexible and adaptive approach to grazing management, emphasizing the importance of observing pasture conditions, monitoring animal behavior, and making adjustments as needed.

The episode concludes with a reminder that building successful grazing systems is an ongoing process of learning and experimentation. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the complexity of these systems, to seek out resources and information, and to continuously refine their management practices to create resilient and productive pastures that support both livestock and the environment.

For sources, transcripts, and to read more about this subject, visit: www.agroecologies.org

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