Grazing too soon sets up pastures up for yearlong failure

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers and ranchers often grow tired of feeding hay by late February and early March. Most can’t wait to get back to grazing. But no so fast, says University of Missouri Extension state grazing specialist Harley Naumann.

“Late winter grazing pressure on cool-season pastures can compromise spring regrowth,” he says. “It is important to not begin grazing too early – at spring green-up, for example.”

Turning cattle into green pastures too soon can result in less forage all season, compromise carbohydrate reserves in root systems and weaken forage plants.

 “When combined with the ever-present potential for drought, pastures can quickly be set up for failure,” Naumann says. “While we may be tired of feeding hay, avoid the temptation and delay turnout for the sake of pasture health and productivity.”

Use late winter for preparation

Instead of grazing, use this time to inspect fences, water systems and paddock layouts. Focus on setting appropriate rest and recovery periods. Of all the complex management considerations, this may be the most important for pasture productivity, he says.

 This also requires planning to monitor residuals according to targeted forage utilization to avoid the common mistake of “rotational overgrazing.” Adjust that plan as needed.

Take stock of forage supplies

Late winter is also a smart time to take inventory of the forage base. “Many farms and ranches exit winter with tighter hay and stockpiled forage reserves than planned,” says Naumann.

“The saying ‘It takes grass to grow grass’ couldn’t be truer,” he says. Overgrazing winter-stockpiled grass can weaken the forage stand. Forage budgeting, identifying deficits early and developing contingency strategies such as early weaning, supplementation or alternative forages should also be part of the plan.

Consider frost-seeding to improve stands

If stands need improvement, late winter is also prime time for frost-seeding some forages, including some legumes.

Cool-season grass pastures are typically not short on protein and energy during the spring, so consider complementing the forage system with a warm-season legume to increase nutritive value on offer during summer months. For example, annual lespedeza can be frost-seeded this time of year. Long-term benefits include improved forage quality and nitrogen fixation.

Patience pays

“As spring approaches, patience and planning now can pay dividends all grazing season long,” Naumann says. “Delay turnout, protect forage recovery and make thoughtful adjustments to grazing plans for healthier pastures and more resilient forage systems. A few proactive decisions in late winter often make the difference between merely getting by and setting pastures up for long-term success.”