8 Tips for effective fall grazing management

By Andi Anderson

Fall grazing can be a valuable resource for livestock farmers, especially in areas where forage quality is a concern due to the variability in hay yields and quality. Here are some tips to make the most of your fall grazing:

1. Assess Forage Quality: Before the fall season, it's essential to assess the quality of your forages by taking samples. Understanding the nutrient values in your crop will help you plan your feeding strategy more effectively.
2. Alternative Forage Sources: If you find yourself with low forages going into fall, consider alternative sources such as land coming out of CRP contracts, corn stalks, cover crops, or even converting a hay field into row crops.
3. Fencing and Infrastructure: Fall is an excellent time to evaluate your fencing and infrastructure. Consider repairing existing fences or implementing temporary fencing if needed. Ensure you have a good perimeter fence to reduce safety hazards and limit livestock access to roadways or neighboring properties.
4. Plan and Flexibility: Keep your plan simple and flexible. Having a good perimeter fence will allow you more options for managing your pastures. It's essential to be adaptable and responsive to changing forage conditions.
5. Temporary Fencing: Temporary fencing options have improved in recent years. Invest in quality, visible polywire or tape, reels, posts, and an adequate energizer. This will help you maintain forage quality and keep your livestock contained. Ensure your temporary fencing is wildlife-resistant, especially against deer.
6. Energizer Selection: Choose the right energizer for your electric fence. Options include 110V plug-in energizers, battery-powered energizers, and solar-powered energizers. Select the type that suits your needs and the availability of electricity in your grazing area.
7. Multi-Powered Energizers: Consider multi-powered energizers that can combine different power sources. These are especially useful when moving livestock from areas with electric power to remote locations.
8.  Observation and Adaptation: Continuously observe your forages and livestock. Remember that you are primarily a forage farmer who uses livestock to manage your crops. Manage your pastures for the long term while utilizing flexible fencing to adapt to changing conditions.

Fall grazing requires careful planning and flexibility to ensure you make the most of your available forages. Quality temporary fencing, appropriate energizers, and a focus on forage management are essential components of a successful fall grazing strategy. Adapt to the challenges presented by the current state of your pastures and make the best decisions based on available resources, costs, and your specific needs.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem