Profitable Pastures

A guide to grass, grazing, and good management

Your System's Approach

A system is made up of different parts, and your system is customized depending on how you put the parts together. This publication will cover five components of a grazing system.

Forages

Choosing and managing forages for your operation is key. You’ll want forages that meet nutritional needs of your livestock and that are suited for your soils. Consider a mix of cool-season and warm-season grass pastures, as well as grass-legume mixtures. Plan for year-around forage needs to ensure high quality forage when livestock nutritional requirements are high.

Water

Good water is key to producing healthy livestock. As you use more pastures for improved grazing and production, you may need to be creative in how you supply good water so livestock won’t have to travel far. Look for underground, surface and human made sources such as rural water, and keep livestock out of the drinking water supply if you can.

Fences

Fence plans should allow flexible rotational grazing, allow access to water and keep livestock in the pastures as intended. Options vary from permanent fences to temporary electric fences for small paddocks.

Fertility

A good fertility program is just as important for pastures as it is for croplands. Soil testing to assess fertility needs is a key step.

Weed and brush control

Keys to weed and brush control include establishing a vigorous stand of forage and a sound grazing plan, mowing and clipping as needed, and herbicide use as necessary. Early identification and action on weed problems can eliminate bigger problems later.

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