And so it begins….
….tomorrow, with our main herd of mama cows, calves and steers moving from the last of this stockpiled grass into the pastures that will be their home through the spring and early summer. Not quite mob grazing…we’ll be putting only about 75,000 pounds pressure per acre…less if we think it’s wise along the way. And we’ll be moving them very fast at first….at least fast for us. Daily.
There is considerable debate among cattlemen about when to turn out cattle….recommendations range from “first green” to 10 inches. We are agnostic on this and just do what feels right. This evening, after about five days of very warm temperatures and some rain, it simply felt right to get started.
Average grass height four inches but growing fast.
If you want a more scientific approach, we offer this supplied by our friend, Ridge Shinn.
http://matronofhusbandry.wordpress.com/2013/04/10/its-complicated/
Last year was the second of applying the grazing techniques we learned in a pilot project sponsored by Holistic Management International. The first year, we cut our hay usage in half. This past year, we took the main herd all the way through the winter and fed hay only one day, a day of freezing snow. The cows could have managed without it but I work for a “softy”.
It was HMI’s Ian Mitchell-Innes who counseled us not to worry about rules, just watch the cows. In the past year, it worked for us.
PS: for those of you paying close attention, our Italian rye is finally coming up. Those 20 acres will be held back until the stand is really established, probably about the first of June.
4 Comments
mike ortwein
If this picture is current, I believe your grass is too short to graze–I like to see it 15 to 18″ tall so the root system is deep. This year I am trying some sub soiling to see if I can get better moisture absorption–will let you know how it works out
David
You’re right….they’re actually through at this location and have come to the gate ready to move. I shouldn’t have teased them but I wanted the picture of them on the final paddock. The pasture rotation begins this morning and a picture of that is coming. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to get our fescue to reach 15 to 18 inches. Ten to 12 is about it. It will be interesting to see whether, as time goes by, we can get the kind of performance you mention. And it is why I’m looking forward to visiting Greg Judy’s farm next month.
But I still have reservations about mob grazing on several counts, including grazing very mature grass. Remember down here we have to deal with endophyte toxicity. What we do is probably more accurately described as “closely-monitored rotational grazing” and we are very happy with the condition of our cows. To take Fall babies right through the winter strictly on grass and see mama and youngster turn out looking as they do, is all I could ask from my herd.
mike ortwein
You don’t have to go visit Greg in Mo., his mentor is going to be at Charles Syndor place for 3 days in May–a lot closer for you. Check Stockman Grass Farmer to get more details-cost is about $400. Also don’t you have more than Fescue, all mob grazer feel you should have a minimum of 20 different forages in your pastures, and for my Devons, fescue is there last choice–accept after the first hard frost. My cows have been in pasture so high I cannot see them, they eat rag weed, queen ann lace and the leaves off small honey locust. I have to mow paths to set my fences and be careful I do not run over a new born calfs.
David
I have heard both Greg and Ian many times; been to Charlie Sydnor’s beautiful Braeburn Farm many times. Both Ian and Charlie have been here as well. But i would like to see Greg’s farm, his operation, his South Poll and enjoy the fellowship. And the dates work with my schedule.
Yes, Jim Gerrish actually counted more than 20 different grasses and forbs in our pasture a few years ago. Fescue however is very aggressive and predominates.
Congratulations on your pastures…think you should start a blog.