Rotational Grazing
What
Rotational grazing is a grass-based livestock feeding system in which animals are rotated from pasture to pasture. Also known as "prescribed grazing" or “management intensive grazing” this practice allows livestock to graze one portion of pasture or a paddock for a certain length of time, while allowing other portions to recover before being grazed again. This grazing system improves both forage and animal health.
Fencing in a rotational grazing system in Franklin County, VT (FCNRCD).
Why
Rotational grazing can improve farm sustainability by protecting and promoting soil health. It is a cost effective way to maximize animal exposure to a nutritious food source while promoting a vigorous mix of perennial grasses, legumes, and forbs. Rotational grazing can enhance profits by reducing the need for off-farm inputs such as feed, fertilizer, and fuel. This grazing system also helps distribute animal waste evenly across the landscape. It can benefit water quality by improving pasture conditions and reducing erosion.
How
Rotational grazing is suited to a number of farm animals, including poultry, pigs, dairy and beef cattle, horses, goats, and sheep. The kind of animal(s) the farm raises, their behaviors, their weights, and the annual forage production are among the many factors to be considered in laying out the paddocks. We recommend farms work with a grazing specialist, their local Conservation District, or their local NRCS Field Office to create a Prescribed Grazing Plan.
Fencing will be needed for the pasture perimeter and for the paddocks. Permanent fencing is usually used for the perimeter, and temporary fencing for the subdivided paddocks. The type of fence chosen will depend on the animal. Drinking water may be provided in moveable tubs or carried by wagon to the sites. Water pipelines are also option.