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Less Selective Grazing

Rather than eating only desirable plants, the cows begin to choose less-desirable plants as well. This decreases the competitive advantage of those unwanted grasses and weedy forbs and allows a healthier plant community to develop.

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Harvest Efficiency

You’re able to harvest more of what’s produced on each acre and waste less of what is grown. At high enough densities, animals begin eating weeds and invasive grasses.  They may not be the most palatable plants in the field, but weedy forbs are often very nutritious!

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Soil Health

As plants are given longer rest periods to recover from grazing events, they are better able to replenish and grow their roots. 

Plants naturally shed root tissue annually, so larger root area means that more organic material is being released into the soil every year. This root material feeds microorganisms as it breaks down in the soil to eventually become organic matter.

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Forage Production

Forage production can be expected to improve as soil health improves. Soil fertility is directly linked to organic matter content. Soil organic matter also increases water holding capacity in the soil as well, meaning your soil becomes a better “sponge” to absorb the rain that is received and slowly release it to plants.

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Drought Resistance

As root systems become healthier, the soil becomes more drought resistant. 

For every inch of soil that roots can penetrate, they access .1 to .2 inches of plant available water. That’s like receiving an extra half inch to an inch of rain if roots are five inches deeper which is a very achievable goal when pastures are managed correctly.

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Herd Health

Improved herd health is a major benefit of proper grass management. By rotationally grazing, our cows are maintaining a much steadier plane of nutrition as they have access to fresh feed regularly.