Grazing

Of course we want to increase production. Experts, teachers and industry leaders have been telling us for years: Increase production, increase profits. We just need to learn some new things – a straightforward task. Or is it?

Throughout history, outbreaks of illness and disease in humans and animals have occurred where the true cause was unknown. Such challenges have fueled the pursuit of identifying causal agents such as a bacteria, viruses or fungi.

As a grazier and advocate for improved grazing management, much of my time is spent emphasizing the negative aspects of hay feeding.

Annual plant production on native rangelands is dynamic and influenced by many factors. However, the most critical determining factor for plant production in the western U.S. is the amount and timing of spring and summer precipitation, which can be highly variable from year to year.

We all know the best lessons are shared in hindsight. Last year was a wet one for northern Pennsylvania. For 38 days (from May 25 to July 1), it rained every other day.

In fall and winter, most native forages and tame pastures are low in protein (unless fall rains stimulated new growth).