2015 Annual Report for OW13-055
Assessing the Impacts of Mob Grazing in Southern Oregon
Summary
This project is analyzing the effects of mob grazing on pasture and soil health. Mob grazing is being compared to management intensive grazing and a control, which is either animal exclusion (no grazing) or season-long/continuous grazing. One location is using sheep and the other locations are grazing cattle. In both cases, the mob grazing plots are being treated with a minimum stocking rate of 200,000 pounds per acre equivalent. Study parameters did not dictate class of animal as two of our producers have to use every animal they have to achieve the minimum stocking rate. The mob plots are required to have a minimum of 90 days rest. 2015 was another dry year.
Objectives/Performance Targets
- Define mob grazing based on an upper and lower limit of animal pounds per acre and a minimum recovery period to standardize regional discussions among producers (April 2013 ). Complete
- Implement grazing treatments at three locations across Southern Oregon. Each location will have three replicates of three treatments: 1. Mob grazing, as defined by the project; 2. Current grazing practice of producer; and 3. Control, no grazing exclosure (May 2013). Complete
- Collect site specific information at each of the farms, including management history, climate, aspect, slope, and soil texture, pH, type, bulk density, and baseline data (May 2013). Complete
- Collect soil and forage data for three years (May 2013-October 2015), including: (complete)
- Total annual forage production
- Pasture species richness and abundance
- Total soil organic carbon and nitrogen
- Annual soil biological assessment, including active and total bacteria and fungi, protozoa, and nematodes.
- Additional soil parameters –pH, bulk density, and infiltration rates
- Soil moisture content
- Statistically analyze results to determine treatment effects on forage production, forage species diversity, and soil parameters. (December 2015). In progress. After all sampling was completed, samples were submitted and based on the results of lab analyses, additional replicates submitted to verify results. We are waiting for statistics at this time.
- Provide site tours pre- and post- mob grazing. Combine site tours with training in use of soil quality scorecards and pasture assessment tools (July 2013, July 2015). We realized that mid-summer is a difficult time to have site tours both due to the busyness of the season and the rotation through the mob plots. One site tour was held the fall of 2013. With the the three years of field work done at this point, we plan to have site tours and presentation of results this summer or fall.
- Present study results to producers regionally. Survey producers for interest in adoption of mob grazing practices (October 2013, October 2014, October 2015). Preliminary results have been discussed with producers at pasture management classes offered through Oregon State University Extension, in-depth courses offered through Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District and also to the two local producer groups.
- Develop a fact sheet summarizing the results of this study (December 2015). This has been delayed as we are still waiting for statistical results. We hope to have it completed fall of 2016.
Accomplishments/Milestones
- All field work and sample analysis is complete
- We are working with the statistician to format data and complete statistical analysis
Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes
Increased awareness and study of plants and soil on the subject farms has led to improvements in grazing management and productivity beyond the study plots
Increased awareness of the potential tool of mob grazing
Awareness and appreciation of grazing as a tool to improve soil health and plant communities
Collaborators:
Producer
Martin Family Ranch
2673 Taylor Rd
Central Point, OR 97502
Office Phone: (541) 664-3778
Producer
11900 Agate Road
Eagle Point, OR 97524
Office Phone: 5418264655