Grazing and Forage Will Need Special Care This Year
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The outlook for pasture and grazing looks less promising than last year, with a slow start and lower production levels than the 2009 crop year, due to low moisture levels in soil as well as climactic factors.
According to Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s Grazing, Forage and Beef Specialist, Grant Lastiwka, planning ahead is the key to making the most of the season’s forage.
Image: Nathan Greenwood / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
“The first thing producers can do is to budget feeds as carefully as possible to feed longer in the spring. Sorting cows and feeding to reduce waste are key tools,” says Lastiwka. “The next thing that must be done is a grazing plan. Balance what you think you will have for grazing days to the livestock numbers and length of your desired grazing season. Pencil it back-and-forth until it is comfortable to you. If you need some help, it may be a good idea to hire a grazing mentor to help you. A fellow grazer will be able to walk through some ideas and help you create solutions that are comfortable.”
For many producers, soil condition may be an additional issue that impacts this year’s forage yields. Fields that have been overstressed in previous years, or haven’t received enough moisture to restore normal levels may make it additionally challenging for producers to provide adequate amounts of grazing and pasture for their herds. In this case, Lastiwka suggests exploring other options.
“As soon as possible make arrangements to rent more grassland in a flexible arrangement. Remember, that most pastures will be lower yielding and slower to start growth this spring, so if you can’t flexibly manage to allow the pasture to recover from last year before once again starting grazing, look for pasture elsewhere.
“A possible grazing option may be to look into seeding a mix of a spring and winter cereals, so that six weeks from now there is an option to graze if perennial growth needs more recovery time. If this mix of spring and winter cereals isn’t needed, it can be silaged, swath grazed or bale-grazed.”
At the beginning of April, producers should test the soil prior to applying fertilizer, in order to adequately address any insufficiencies and provide the most effective coverage. Pastures that need it should be given an adequate amount of rest time to increase moisture levels in the spring. Rotational grazing is recommended for best results.
