New, for us, Pasture Management

After attending a meeting  of the Virginia Grass and Forage Council in January 2010 and listening to a talk given by Greg Judy on 'mob grazing', Glenn decided, right then and there, to change the pasture management on our farm.

The basics of the system are simple.  In reality, it is like returning to the natural management of the old prairies - you know, the time when the buffalo roamed.

Glenn started a partial conversion during 2010, but made the complete transformation this year, 2011.

moving the herd

cattle moving toward the electric fence gate

cattle moving into new unit

We totally removed haying from our management (yep, even sold all the equipment - haybine, rake and baler).  This new system relies on 100% grazing by the herd, even in winter, yes....even with snow on the ground (purchased hay can supplement the feeding during those rare, severe winters if needed). The cattle herd grazes a small part of the pasture, usually delineated with electrical fencing, for one day.  They are moved onto a fresh section of grass daily, thus; the cattle get more nutritious grass to eat and the pastures are not abused.  These small grazing units are not revisited by the cattle for at least 60 days, an adequate period for regrowth and recuperation.

electric fence separating grazing units

This type of management produces a multitude of benefits:  soil improves naturally due to an increase in soil microbes and earthworms; which in turn,  improve the soil's structure resulting in an increase in rainfall capture (no runoff), and the addition of more organic matter (carbon, CO2); farming costs decrease due to reduced fuel consumption (remember, haying and the constant back and forth across the fields has been eliminated), the purging of commercial fertilizers, and the abolition of bovine additives such as hormones and other injected substances. 

unit just grazed

unit ready to be grazed

The results...healthier soil, healthier grass - better grass growth and better quality feed,healthier cattle and less impact on the ecosystem.

And, this management practice has already resulted in substantial improvements for Mountain Glen Farm.

We no longer have any hayfields (boohoo - I like to hay), the pastures are not mechanically groomed - the overall appearance is scruffy; but the environment,cattle, and beef consumer all benefit in the end.