Pasture Management

To maximise pasture growth and maintain a thick ground cover, graze pastures down to a minimum of 3-4 cm and allow them to grow to a height of approximately 15 cm (three leaf stage). Small paddocks and a rotational grazing plan will help achieve this. Where possible avoid grazing the same area for more than 2-3 days. Animals re graze the new shoots and leaves, which have grown from water-soluble carbohydrate reserves, and this severely reduces regrowth and jeopardises survival of the plants. In larger paddocks, as cows are offered a block of pasture, a back fence/strip grazing should be used to prevent them re grazing the previous area. Fencing the tops and bottoms of hills allows easier management of the slopes. It helps control grazing (over and under) as cattle do not walk up and down the hill as much. This also helps control pugging, erosion and nutrient transfer. Preferably graze south-facing slopes in summer as they are more protected from the elements (sun and drying winds) and have a better pasture cover. Graze north-facing slopes in winter as they are warmer, soils dry quicker, and they have better grass growth.

• Preferably graze south-facing slopes in summer as they are more protected from the elements (sun and drying winds) and have a better pasture cover. Graze north-facing slopes in winter as they are warmer, soils dry quicker, and they have better grass growth.
  
• Steep slopes are often difficult to access - control weeds and vermin and manage pasture. They may also be susceptible to erosion. Decide whether it is practical to include these areas in a normal grazing rotation - use them for lighter grazing, non-milking stock or perhaps for revegetation.
  
• When establishing pastures, light frequent grazing is necessary to stop grasses from smothering clovers, to keep weeds in check and to encourage the pasture to form a dense ground cover. Grazing can start once seedlings are able to resist being pulled out (preferably graze at 12-15 cm down to 5 cm) by the grazing animals (light-footed stock preferred) and the soil is firm enough to support them.

Aim to maintain good pasture cover for feed and soil protection. Photographs by: Rawdon Sthradher (Fine Focus Photography).

Other considerations Identify low production areas. These can have large soil/water/nutrient losses. Identify why poor and aim to improve (build up soil structure and fertility-may need to temporarily remove stock ) or retire area ie revegetate. Apply Nitrogen in Autumn to build up a good feed wedge for winter – maximising growth and groundcover will aid in preventing soil damage.

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