Time for producers to assess grazing distribution, pasture use

The grazing season for rangelands will soon be over for the year, and this will give producers the opportunity to assess grazing distribution and utilization in their pastures.

A rangeland assessment at this time will allow producers to identify where grazing distribution problems exist and to start thinking about how they can be improved.

Animal concentration can lead to a decline in forage quality, forage production and potentially water quality problems.

Getting optimal grazing distribution is an ongoing process that requires constant adjustment, based on observation and assessment.

In assessing grazing distribution, it's helpful to start by having an aerial map of your pasture. The local USDA Farm Service Agency office can usually provide an aerial map. Aerial maps often show locations for ponds, trees, trails, etc. As one drives through a pasture, they can note areas of concern on the map, even to the extent of using a GPS unit if desired.

Proper utilization at the end of the growing season usually means that 40-60 percent of the current year's production has been consumed.

A scale of 1 to 3 could be used to visually rate utilization, where 1 represents light use (less than 40 percent), 2 moderate (40-60 percent), and 3 heavy use (greater than 60 percent). Using this scale in a grid pattern throughout the pasture will result in a grazing distribution map.

Cattle tend to gather around water and trees. They also tend to graze into the wind during the summer, often resulting in overuse of the south side of pastures.

Topography also influences grazing distribution. Livestock use hilltops more frequently and avoid steep slopes.

If there are areas that are over-utilized due to poor grazing distribution, the easiest way to improve this is through either salt or mineral placement, location of fly control devices, prescribed burning management, selective tree cutting, or winter feeding location.

If these simple adjustments to normal management practices are unable to eliminate or greatly reduce areas with high animal concentration it may be necessary to consider capital improvements such as fencing or water development.

While assessing grazing use and distribution, producers should also be looking for areas where problem weeds are gaining hold -- such as musk and bull thistle, sericea lespedeza, other noxious weeds, and woody plant invaders.

More information on this topic can be obtained in the K-State Research and Extension publication, Grazing Distribution MF515, located at www.ksre.ksu.edu or from the Extension Office.

NOTE: The Managing the Cowherd workshop is quickly approaching on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at the Southeast Kansas Stockyards, Gas City, Kansas. Please call the Extension Office if you plan to attend.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.