Here’s part 3 in our series on preparing to extend the grazing season. While this week’s offerings involve cutting and some baling, they do reduce feeding time and money, and keep your livestock out on pasture. Enjoy!
Swath Grazing
Instead of baling cut forage, some graziers leave forage in the field in swaths. Not baling reduces fuel and equipment costs by about 1/3 and the cost of feeding animals overall by about 40%.
This article describes some of the benefits and how-to’s of this practice. Most importantly, it provides a link to a map of the areas of the U.S. where swath grazing works and where it doesn’t.
If it sounds like a technique you could use, read on for some tips from Canadian ranchers who’ve tried different swathing options to arrive at what work best.
Bale Grazing
Bale grazing on fields is a method of providing feed to beef cattle during the winter months. Livestock are given access to bales previously placed on a field or wintering site.
We’ll start with this piece from Brett Chedzoy who says that he’s found his cattle are healthier when they over-winter in pasture, and soil health benefits as well.
For more on the ins and outs of the technique and some input from ranchers in Montana who’ve tried it, check out the short video in this next article.
This Winter, Improve Soil Health (and Your Life) With Bale Grazing
For extra advice on the where’s and how’s of bale grazing here are Dos an Don’ts.
And the Funnies!
Today, the funnies are also inspirational.
