“The excess snow and rain have led to muddy pastures which if not managed properly can negatively impact grazing the rest of the year,” University of Missouri Extension TRegional Livestock Field Specialist Patrick Davis said.
Davis said cattle producers need to evaluate their pastures. Identify pastures that are thin and in need of renovation and consider using those as sacrifice pastures.
Davis urges consultation with an MU Extension agronomy field specialist to grade pastures and make decisions on potential pastures that need renovation.
“Utilize sacrifice pastures and move cattle to these pastures for hay feeding until grass is at proper grazing height,” Davis said.
Davis said this management strategy helps provide fertility in the form of manure and hay in these areas which helps in the renovation process. This strategy also reduces the destruction of good pastures which could affect their productivity throughout the grazing season.
“Wait to turn cattle onto good cool season grass pastures until proper forage height is achieved,” Davis said.
At turn-out, cool-season forages should have about 6 inches of growth. Furthermore, during the grazing season, cool season grass heights should range between 4 to 8 inches.
Davis urges cattle producers to stay within this range during the grazing season to maintain optimum grass growth and quality for optimum cattle performance and productivity.
“Proper seeding and management of sacrifice pastures is important to promote grass growth so those pastures can be brought back into the grazing system,” Davis said.
Davis urges cattle producers to consult MU Extension regional agronomy field specialists as well as MU Extension guide sheets G4650 and G4652 when making plans to reseed sacrifice pastures.
“Forage management is key to profitably of your cattle operation,” Davis said.
For more information on these topics, contact a local MU Extension agronomy or livestock field specialist.
Find additional resources at extension.missouri.edu/programs/nrcs-mu-grasslands-project.
