Grazing management has come a long way since the days of stone walls and barbed wire fence! And yet, we find that the old becomes new again, but this time with modern science and modern equipment. From energizers to pig tail posts, there is a lot to sort out just in new technology options. But the tricks to good grazing start with a focus on soil, plant and livestock health. The focus on herd impact as opposed to just herd size and duration are very important. Modern grazing is all about managing both the amount of forage taken at a given time, and how long the plants are allowed to regrow before regrazing. Our grazing specialist, Carly Bass, is here to help Champlain Valley farmers navigate the challenges and rewards of good grazing. Carly works with new grazers, seasoned grazers, and skeptical grazers alike. Contact her with questions: cbass1@uvm.edu.
Grazing Resources
- Managing Pasture as a Crop: A Guide to Good Grazing (PDF), by Darrell Emmick, Ph.D., ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension
- Grazing Heifers: An Opportunity for Large Dairy Farms [Cornell] (PDF)
- Frost Seeding, A Cheap Alternative to Improving Hay and Pasture (PDF), Dr. Heather Darby
- Characteristics of Forage and Pasture Grasses Found in the Northeast U.S. (PDF), Dr. Sid Bosworth (retired)
- Characteristics of Forage Legumes Found in the Northeast U.S. (PDF), Dr. Sid Bosworth (retired)