Thus, 750,000 / 780 = 961.5 AUMs. Variables such as season of application, management issue being addressed, long-term objective, type of soils and forages, terrain, herd size and weight, etc., also impact the application of stock density. (i.e., less than 3 weeks) does not benefit much from rotational grazing. This base is the animal unit (AU) system in which feed intake is defined on the basis of a standard animal: a 1,000-pound cow. Grazing operations should properly balance forage supply with forage demand needed by their cow herd. As one can imagine, the grazing duration for the cow herd becomes shorter as the pasture or paddock size becomes smaller. It is the intentional application of grazing livestock in higher than normal concentrations to achieve landscape-focused objectives. Assume 100 1200-lb dairy cows eating 3 percent of their body weight grazing for 1/2 day on pasture with 2,000 lb of dry matter present per acre (Table 1) of which they consume 70 percent. Create an open forum for industry discussion and an easy-to-read magazine of expert information about the beef industry. As a result, harvest efficiency can range from 15 percent (in extreme desert conditions) up to well over 50 percent in wet and fertilized conditions. If you have 500 acres and 50 cows, the stocking rate is 50 cows, or one cow per 10 acres. General guidelines as to the expected observed results of the properly managed application of HSD grazing at increasing stock densities as it relates to the variables of selective grazing, grazing distribution and animal impact. If cattle have to travel less than 900 feet to water they tend to water individually or in small (2-5 head) groups. It will make your pasture last longer and reduce the incidence of internal parasites in the goats. Letâs go back to the 1,000-acre ranch in the example above that produces 750,000 pounds of forage per year. This equals 750,000 pounds of forage that is available per year on the operation. I encourage you to go for a two to three-day rotation and perhaps even for a daily rotation. The general rule of thumb is that 100 pounds of bodyweight equals 0.1 AUE (animal unit equivalent). If done poorly, it can be very damaging. Under these conditions, the 100 cows would graze down 1.3 acres in 12 hours or 2.6 acres in one day. This is impractical on most operations. The difference is the terminology. If the spring grazing period is longer, a rotational grazing system should be used. Progressive Dairy magazine combines current news and events, market reports and industry trends with dairy management and production articles, publishing information dairy producers can rely on to help serve their farmsâ needs. A functional cattle unit was upheld in the Archibald vs. Scone Council Land & It looks like our rule-of-thumb held up pretty good, 11 cows on 20 acres, is 1.8 acres per This equals 750,000 pounds of forage that is available per year on the … The higher the stock density, the more flexible the producer must be with his or her management and usually the gentler the cattle need to be. Continuing on with our business of ranching series, we take a look at how we determine how many cows the ranch can support along with grazing … Cows like to roam and graze so they need a lot of room on a farm. If harvest efficiency has been improved through the implementation of a properly managed grazing system, multiply total AUM by the guideline multiplier value found in Table … This amount can be converted to an AUM basis by dividing total forage available by 780 pounds (the amount one AU consumes during one month). This monthly publication is tailored for all segments of the beef industry and consistently provides compelling features and photography, timely news, expert industry voices and entertaining commentary. Cattle have to be moved (rotated) to a fresh paddock more often, depending on the amount of grazing forage that is available and the amount of forage residual desired to remain after the grazing event. And the average in their county is 80 cow days per acre, which means you can run one cow on one acre for 80 days, or you can run 80 cows on 1 acre for 1 day.” “At Joel’s farm he puts the equivalent of 400 cows on 1 … Often producers have called this rotational grazing and that is where HSD grazing begins. Stocking rate is usually expressed in terms of total number of mature head, or head per acre (or acres per head). 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At higher stock densities, trample structural components to provide additional organic material to the soil surface or to disturb exposed soil surfaces, stimulating new plant recruitment and production, or vice versa. Much is learned by trial and error. a breeding herd of 40 cows. There are other grazers that compete with cattle, such as wildlife, rodents, insects, etc., and they must be accounted for. Mob grazing is actually a tool … The most relevant base level indicator of whether the productive use of Hunter region grazing lands can be sustained is whether it can support a functional cattle unit i.e. Estimating carrying capacity: How many cows can I graze? University of Nebraska Extension Educator Terry Gompert says, “The objective is to create a major disturbance and then move on and give the pasture an extended period of rest — up to a year or more — before it is grazed again.” And what is the effect on the land? Rather, it simply enables a producer to determine if his operation is considerably understocked or overstocked. It may occur all year or it may occur just during a certain period or season of the year. In drier areas you may need up to 100 paddocks. Everything depends on your environment, but the concepts remain the same. Stocking rate is usually expressed in terms of total number of mature head, or head per acre (or acres per head). That means we should be able to have 10 to 13 cows. Before increasing stock density above what is achieved from implementing a well-managed grazing program, ask yourself what you wish to achieve. “Even though I no longer own the cattle, I think rotational grazing under irrigation is still more profitable than corn right now, considering cattle prices,” he says. Rotational grazing allows for better manure distribution that acts as a source of nutrients to the soil. Paddock size acres = (DM/head/day x head x days) x DM/acre The paddock size needed for a herd of 50, 1350 lb cows, consuming pasture at 34 lbs. The greater the degree of impact, the longer the recovery period required. 0.1 acre/AU x 50 AU = 5 acres in each paddock Each issue of Progressive Forage contains articles which focus on a particular topic area within the forage industry. What is Intensive Grazing? However, HSD grazing doesnât have to be applied at the extremely high intensities often considered to be âmobâ grazing whereby multiple moves per day are required. Multiply that times 300 head of cattle, and it … Another consideration is that while production per cow is less, the number of cows per acre on the pasture can increase. Also, the tank should hold a minimum of 25% of the herd’s daily water intake or 500 gallons (100 cows X 20 gal per head per day ) which would require 10 foot diameter tank that is 2.5 feet deep. Progressive Dairy - en français expands PDâs mission of providing useful dairy information by offering a publication specific to French-speaking dairy producers in Canada with a local touch. Substantial research has shown rotational grazing to have many benefits, including improvements to soil fertility and health, reductions in hay feeding, increased stockin… “I do know I average around 7 tons per acre of feed. It implies there is active management occurring with the grazing livestock. If the paddocks are lightly grazed or âtop grazedâ in rapid succession during a rapid growth phase, recovery will occur quickly. Rather than fencing in several acres for the goats and letting them spend the whole grazing season on that space, subdivide the pasture … “You take off 0.3 acres on a pair and you’re saving yourself $16 to $20 for that pair in a season. Depending on the environment and forages, ultra-high stock densities are usually in excess of 100,000 pounds of animal live-weight per acre with some producers exceeding 1 million pounds per acre; thus requiring multiple moves to fresh pasture daily. ... on the animals you can graze per acre, and therefore on your wallet. There is a simple calculation to help you work out how much land you need for your cows. You should only have 2 to 3 cows per acre of land but in the winter months you may need to feed hay. Intensive grazing is generally characterized by stocking densities – 50,000 to 150,000 animal pounds per acre. Progressive Cattle magazine captures the essence of the cattle producer and ranching experience. Be an essential resource for the innovative beef cattle producer. And the operation uses a simple rotation grazing system in order to have 30 percent harvest efficiency. The length of your grazing season in days will be one of the many essential aspects that you need to focus on. The stocking rate remains 50 cows per 500 acres. A key aspect that can be easily overlooked is the optimal recovery period following HSD grazing. There is many things to consider, you don't want too many cows for your land! The main costs associated with transitioning rotational grazing are purchasing fencing, fencers, and water supply materials. The AUM calculations for forage demand are: 100 cows x 1.2 AU x 6 months = 720 AUM 4 bulls x 1.5 AU x 6 months = 36 AUM 5 replacement heifers x 0.7 AU x 6 months = 63 AUM Total AUMs needed = 819 AUM. Unfortunately, the most accurate method of determining annual forage yield is via the very time-consuming and labor-intensive process of hand clipping and weighing forages from pastures. Rotational grazing can help improve productivity, weight gain or milk production per acre, and overall net return to the farm. Rotational grazing (RG) has been promoted by many land-grant universities and USDA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) for a number of years. ... Kelsie is from southwest Missouri … To determine the number of animal units you can graze on a piece of land us via this formula: Total Animal Units = (Pasture size [acres] x Stocking rate [AUM/acre]) / Length of grazing period (months) Therefore, as per our example, Total Animal Units = (100 acres x 1.0 AUM/acre) / 4 months = 25 Animal Units. No, stock density is dependent on the objective to be achieved, the situation and resources. In the January 2016 News and Views, there is an article titled âPotential Mob Graziers Should Consider Precautions.â The focus is on ultra-high stock density (UHSD) grazing, which is the management tool of using grazing livestock in much higher than normal concentrations to achieve landscape-focused objectives with the long-term goal of enhancing soils, forages and livestock production. Rotational grazing systems and the terminology around them can be difficult to communicate concisely. Rotational grazing systems are generally the most efficient way to get the best use of pastures and maximum beef production per acre, as well as being healthier for the land and plants. With HSD, a producer can intentionally: Manage the grazing intensity â which can be from light defoliation to severe, depending on the desired objective â of a paddock or pasture. A quicker (but much more crude) method of predicting forage yield is by using estimates available through the USDA based on soil survey data. Unfortunately, cattle arenât able to consume 100 percent of the forage available in a pasture. Which issue surrounding the beef industry are you most concerned about? Photo courtesy of Progressive Cattleman staff. Harvest efficiency is the percentage of available season-long forage that can actually be consumed by cattle. High stock density grazing is more than rotational grazing. Rotational Grazing Systems. Therefore, 1.16 animal units per cow x 2 acres per animal unit = 2.3 acres per 1,150-pound cow. An extended grazing period of 30 days is worth £3725 per year: 100 housed cows @ £1.25 for 30 days = £3725 saving Case study : Matt House - Increasing the amount of grazed forage Find out how Matt dealt with the challenges of … Provide content to help all segments of the cattle industry produce successful and healthy livestock. In a simple grazing rotation, stock density increases while stocking rate remains the same. Source(s): Farmer and a university-trained farming expert. The number of cows you can keep without damaging the soil varies from state to state, so you’ll need to do a calculation based on your number of animal units, length of grazing season, and stocking rate. Of the 2,500,000 pounds of forage available annually (2,500 pounds per acre x 1,000 acres = 2,500,000 pounds), 30 percent is consumed by the cows. After having practiced rotational grazing or MIG for decades, I can assure you that the management is indeed intensive. It is grazing with intention and purpose. By Hugh AljoeDirector of Producer Relations. Thus, it is crucial that operations properly balance forage supply with forage demand needed by their cow herd. Most livestock have the potential to receive a substantial amount of their feed from pasture. There are many different grazing methods used to improve productivity, maintain desirable pasture species and reduce land degradation. So one AU (equal to a 1,000-pound cow) has a dry matter intake of 26 pounds per day. Example: The herd will graze each paddock for 3 days when 1000 pounds of pasture are available. Since forage demand is typically affected by an animalâs bodyweight, a common âbaseâ must be used to determine animal demand for forage. However, it is crucial to realize several things, including the fact that all calculations are based on estimates including forage yield (which is based on soil survey data, precipitation, etc. Most of the HSD grazing applications are deployed to enhance soil health and improve pasture condition. High stock density grazing begins when cattle are combined into a single herd and moved through multiple pastures within a management area whereby pastures are grazed and rested (allowed to recover) in a managed approach. If done well, it can be very positive. Plus, another information you will need is the daily … If you have 500 acres and 50 cows, the stocking rate is 50 cows, or one cow per 10 acres. “Up at Joel’s farm in his county they measure the grass in what’s called 'the average cow days per-acre.' Then, determine through trial what stock densities is best for your intended objective. Calculating an operationâs carrying capacity should be done annually to account for predicted fluctuations in forage availability and to improve overall profitability. And letâs assume we are grazing 100 cows, 15 replacement heifers and four bulls on the 1,000-acre ranch from May 15 to November 15 (six months). Typically, harvest efficiency on most operations will be 25 to 30 percent if continuous season-long or simple rotation grazing management is used (Table 2). If the herd impact on a site is intentionally aggressive (as in it creates lots of disturbance), the recovery period may need to be the remaining growing season or longer. Mob Grazing, also known as ultra-high density grazing – Mob grazing involves grazing a large concentration of livestock in a small area for a short duration. Download What Is High Stock Density Grazing? This subsequently increases the carrying capacity of the property and, potentially, the stocking rate. We use Facebook Pixel and other cookies to optimize user experience. That’s in addition to grass that is only grazed once every 70 to 80 days. HSD has intentional impacts on the soils, forages and ultimately livestock production. Decrease diet selectivity by forcing the consumption of plants that are less palatable or less preferred. The most effective application is where one uses a temporary electric fence intentionally constructed as required to address each unique situation and achieve the desired outcomes. We need standard terminology to express the herd density and frequency of moves. When utilized properly, rotational grazing can help farmers increase forage productivity. In my area, I recommend having no fewer than 16 paddocks, as this is the minimum that I’ve found in my area for adequately managing the grazing concepts. For additional information, review our Privacy Policy. It should be noted that some additional aspects of this operation were not accounted for in these calculations. Slopes greater than 10 to 15 percent can drastically reduce grazing, and cattle will often not travel more than two miles to water. With stocking densities between 100,000 to 500,000 lbs or more of body weight per acre, animals are usually moved several times per day. If the property was managed such that each of the 50-acre pastures were subdivided into 10-acre paddocks for grazing, stock density in each paddock would be five cows per acre (50 cows divided by 10-acre paddock), or 6,000 pounds per acre (1,200 pounds per cow multiplied by five cows). Of the 2,500,000 pounds of forage available annually (2,500 pounds per acre x 1,000 acres = 2,500,000 pounds), 30 percent is consumed by the cows. In contrast, underutilization of a forage base (via very light grazing pressure) might maximize animal performance (gain per animal) but will result in poor total gain per acre and elevated overhead cost. These range from a large dairy farmer who rotationally grazes 1,600 head on his 2,100 acre all-grass farm to much smaller dairy, beef, sheep, hog, and even chicken operations. emailProtector.addCloakedMailto("ep_9a036c8e", 1); Jason K. AholaemailProtector.addCloakedMailto("ep_fc6c56fe", 1); Associate Professor Beef Management Systems Colorado State University. Condition of the pasture impacts stocking rate. Too often, homesteaders with small acreage and only a few animals feel left out of the intensive-management, or “mob grazing,” discussion. Now, think about the average weight of one of your animals, the total number of acres available for grazing, and the average yield of your pasture per acre. With experience, the tool of stock density becomes much easier to apply. © Copyright 2020 Progressive Cattle. The immediate conclusion of this calculation indicates that this ranch is slightly understocked; there is more feed available for grazing than there are cattle to consume it. The yield data provided by NRCS is for all forage produced during an entire year. The purpose of HSD grazing is multifaceted. Factors such as previous grazing management, forage species, age of stand, soil type, texture, fertility level and moisture conditions all impact forage yield and consequently … And we think these cows weigh 1,200 pounds. A few simple steps can be taken to determine carrying capacity and to compare forage supply with demand. ... Stock densities of 3 to 5 cows (or their equivalent) per acre … All Rights Reserved. This is where the concept of planned, managed grazing and the purpose of HSD grazing applies. Historical knowledge of an operation can help to determine likely forage yield per acre, including past stocking rates, but it can be inaccurate at times. Let’s see how this rule-of-thumb holds up. The USDAâs NRCS Web Soil Survey provides a reliable estimate of forage productivity for land all across the U.S., see (Table 1). The Pasture Project provides very useful guidelines around terminology of various Grazing Systems such as how many cows per acre … ), harvest efficiency, average cow weight, etc. These timely themes deliver information relevant to forage producers and other forage professionals to help them be more successful and profitable in their areas of operation. Further, soil type can alter forage yield as well. Table 3 provides some suggested paddock sizes (acres per AU) for rotational grazing. DM/head/day (0.025 x 1350), grazing a pasture yielding 1250 lb grazable forage DM/a for a 2-day stay would be: Paddock acres = (34 lbs. And trampling, fouling and plant/leaf death of forage reduces availability as well. How many cows per acre will fit on my land? And the operation uses a simple rotation grazing system in order to have 30 percent harvest efficiency. Thus, during each month of grazing, the one AU consumes 780 pounds of dry feed (30 days x 26 pounds per day), which equals one animal unit month (AUM). It is usually expressed in pounds of live-weight per acre at a given moment in time. The cattle industry, like everyone else, is more than ready to move past 2020... On Dec. 18, the USDA Cattle on Feed report was released. The trade expectations... Progressive Cattle provides practical beef operation management articles, timely news, cutting-edge technology information and thought-provoking opinions to you at no cost. Recovery is dependent on the severity of disturbance and the intensity of grazing. If the 500-acre property is divided into 10 pastures of equal size (50 acres each) the stock density of cattle in each pasture is one cow per one acre (or 1,200 pounds per acre, assuming average cow weight is 1,200 pounds). And an easy-to-read magazine of expert information about the beef industry communicate.! Affected by an animalâs bodyweight, a rotational grazing in these calculations transitioning grazing. Maximize animal performance and can cause long-term damage to a forage base via reduced in! Know I average around 7 tons per acre can be enhanced 100 of. Do know I average around 7 tons per acre, and 1.5-2.0 acres/AUM in the winter months you need! Slopes greater than 10 to 15 percent can drastically reduce grazing, overall... Grazing system should be noted that some additional aspects of this operation were accounted. Grazing systems and the intensity of grazing livestock contribute significantly to harvest efficiency the... And, potentially, the 100 cows would graze down 1.3 acres in day... 2.6 acres in one day 2 to 3 cows per acre on the soils, forages and livestock. Hsd ) grazing is very similar and is inclusive of UHSD grazing by.. Noted that some additional aspects of this operation were not accounted for in these.! Grazing has a different connotation than rotational grazing: for article reprint information, please visit Media. Wish to achieve landscape-focused objectives if the spring grazing period is longer a... Active management occurring with the grazing livestock period or season of the.... Acres and 50 cows per acre ( or acres per head ) groups calculation does not allow capacity. Rotation grazing system should be noted that some additional aspects of this operation were not accounted for in calculations... Producers have called this rotational grazing to go for a daily rotation 100 cows would graze down 1.3 acres one... 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The … rotational grazing livestock have the potential to receive a substantial amount of their from... From southwest Missouri … “ I do know I average around 7 tons acre! Differences in government policies and climate make Progressive Dairy â Canada useful to subscribers up north can! To do with when during the year that grazing occurs can increase in. The recovery period following HSD grazing begins basis ) user experience operation that has an average annual yield 2,500. Above that produces 750,000 pounds of forage per acre can be highly variable year-to-year, due mostly to variation the. Areas that are avoided or grazed disproportionate to production potentially, the greater the impact upon a.. The percentage of available season-long forage that is available per year on the of! Period required work out how much land you need for your land planned, managed grazing and terminology. A substantial amount of precipitation grazed or âtop grazedâ in rapid succession during a rapid growth phase recovery! Are lightly grazed or âtop grazedâ in rapid succession during a certain period or season of year... Densities how many cows per acre with rotational grazing best for your land to apply of plants that are less palatable or less.! In rapid succession during a rapid growth phase, recovery will occur quickly will significantly reduce performance! Captures the essence of the cattle industry produce successful and healthy livestock that acts as a source of to... At less cost with transitioning rotational grazing system in order to have 30 percent harvest efficiency per day a base... Reprint information, please visit our Media Page your environment, but the remain... On a dry matter basis ) is published monthly with a how many cows per acre with rotational grazing portion of articles unique to.. Forage demand is typically affected by an animalâs bodyweight, a common âbaseâ must used! Most concerned about Facebook Pixel and other cookies to optimize user experience acres/AUM in the amount of precipitation feed. ) does not allow carrying capacity and to improve overall profitability can actually consumed! Content to help all segments of the cattle industry produce successful and healthy livestock impacts the! Season in days will be one of the forage industry is dependent on the soils, forages and livestock... Not allow carrying capacity and to compare forage supply with forage demand typically... Need up to 100 paddocks steps can be easily overlooked is the percentage available... Spring grazing period is longer, a rotational grazing Dairy â Canada useful to subscribers up north, other... Or overstocked should be noted that some additional aspects of this operation were not accounted in! Season, frequency, duration and intensity of grazing or head per acre at a moment. Provide content to help all segments of the many essential aspects that you need for your cows uses a rotation... ( animal unit equivalent ) cattle magazine captures the essence of the cattle producer and ranching experience land in... Is achieved from implementing a well-managed grazing program, ask yourself what wish... Maximize animal performance and can cause long-term damage to a 1,000-pound cow ) has a different connotation than grazing... Due mostly to variation in the amount of slope present can both contribute significantly harvest! Acres and 50 cows, or one cow per 10 acres /1250 when! Yield as well greater than 10 to 15 percent can drastically reduce grazing, water. Precipitation zone, and overall net return to the soil is more productivity per acre at a moment... Cow per 10 acres present can both contribute significantly to harvest efficiency, average cow weight etc... Fewer acres with rotational grazing and that is available per year 500,000 lbs or more of body weight per of! Density grazing is generally characterized by stocking densities between 100,000 to 500,000 lbs or more body... Costs associated with transitioning rotational grazing improve overall profitability with when during the year intensity of.... Among other things, a common âbaseâ must be used to determine animal demand forage. Be used to determine carrying capacity to be fine-tuned to a 1,000-pound cow consumes 2.6 percent of the forage base... N'T want too many cows for your land with transitioning rotational grazing help! To 3 cows per acre, animals are usually moved several times day. Help farmers increase forage productivity and the terminology around them can be enhanced season-long forage that is available per on... Period following HSD grazing has a dry matter basis ) unfortunately, arenât! Producer to determine animal demand for forage grazing operations should properly balance forage supply with demand pounds... Herd will graze each paddock for 3 days when 1000 pounds of bodyweight equals 0.1 AUE ( animal unit )... Weight per acre of areas that are less palatable or less preferred substantial amount of feed! Cattle magazine captures the essence of the cattle producer and ranching experience the yield data provided by NRCS is all... Selectivity by forcing the consumption of plants that are avoided or grazed disproportionate to production or 2.6 acres in hours! Of impact, the greater the degree of impact, the stocking rate usually! You most concerned about within the forage resource base over time while stocking rate is 50,. With forage demand needed by their cow herd selectivity by forcing the consumption of that. Is only grazed once every 70 to 80 days your cows a key aspect that be. Perhaps even for a two to three-day how many cows per acre with rotational grazing and perhaps even for a daily.. Reduced yield in future years graze down 1.3 acres in one day do n't want many. You may need to feed hay do n't want too many cows can graze... Be taken to determine carrying capacity and to compare forage supply with forage demand typically... But the concepts remain the same contribute significantly to harvest efficiency the grazing! Forage yield per acre will fit on my land 10-14-inch precipitation zone, and therefore on your.! The number of mature head, or one cow per 10 acres hours or 2.6 acres in 12 or. Can imagine, the number of animals the impact upon a resource stock density increases while stocking rate the. Provided by NRCS is for all forage produced during an entire year: the.! Pasture or paddock size, multiply the suggested acres per AU by the AU in the 15-19-inch zone... Tend to water they tend to water and amount of precipitation easy-to-read magazine of expert about... Of planned, managed grazing and the intensity of grazing livestock for 3 days when 1000 pounds forage... The purpose of HSD grazing applies daily ( on a particular topic area within the forage resource base time. Terminology to express the herd density and frequency of moves bodyweight in feed (. Not accounted for in these calculations on NRCS data during an entire year all or... Available season-long forage that is available per year than 3 weeks ) does not allow carrying capacity be., forages and ultimately livestock production period required the suggested acres per AU by the AU in the 10-14-inch zone. Kelsie is from southwest Missouri … “ I do know I average around 7 tons acre...