Management-Intensive Grazing

Management-Intensive Grazing

Summary

"This proejct could add values--time, money and natural resources--to producers and their neighbors. With management-intensive grazing, less labor is needed due to a more even workload and fewer peak periods of massive haying or feeding. Also, cattle become the equipment needed to harvest the forage, so the possibility exists to lower overhead costs by selling unnecessary equipment. Veterinary costs may also be reduced due to better animal observation. Additionally, in today's earth-conscious society we are always aware of our city neighbors' concern for wildlife, soil erosion and water quality."

Objectives: To show producers in northeast Missouri that grazing cattle on marginal ground can be profitable. Funds will be used to inform and educate local producers and the public about grazing. The grant money will also go to fencing, water, water lines and water tanks that are essential for management-intensive grazing.

Results: The project coordinator implemented a management-intensive grazing system to show that grazing beef cattle on marginal land can be as profitable as raising row crops while reducing soil erosion and improving water quality. The project included fencing off riparian areas and installing a model watering system with ponds, underground lines and frost-proof tanks. Fencing is a four-wire, high-tensile system. The project coordinator reported that the additonal contact with and movement of cattle resulted in gentler livestock and quicker recognition of health problems. There was also an obvious environmental impact with no herbicides, fertilizers or soil erosion affecting streams and ponds.