2008 Annual Report for FNC07-656
Ultra High Stock Density Grazing
Summary
WORK ACTIVITIES
Grant funds were used primarily for materials to enable me to carry through with the research. This included fencing materials such as poly-wire and portable fence posts. Other expenses were for soil testing and this expense will greatly increase during the up-coming research period. At this time, there were no other purchases. There was labor involved in the daily moving of cattle at the beginning of the research period.
RESULTS
The project has not progressed as quickly as I would have liked due to problems receiving livestock to graze the pastures. What progress was made has continued to show the tremendous benefits of Ultra High Stock Density Grazing on pastures and how it promotes better pasture and organic matter. The vitality, diversity and growth of the pastures has been astounding, all while using no inputs.
WORK PLAN FOR 2009
Work plan will entail daily to twice daily moves of livestock on my paddocks using temporary fence and posts. Soil tests will begin this spring on a frequent basis to monitor soil performance before and after moves to see organic matter increases. There will be a large amount of livestock present to facilitate the continued monitoring for the research.
OUTREACH
I was invited to give a presentation to a grazing group in Beile, Missouri. There were 70 participants. I gave a complete PowerPoint presentation on the benefits and challenges of Ultra High Stock Density. There was a multitude of questions and interest in the benefits and challenges of the method of grazing was very high
The upcoming year will host on farm visits and speaking engagements to local livestock groups. There is a visit already scheduled for University Extension with several local producers.
Requests have been made throughout the year for impromptu visits to our operation.