A rotational grazing system can improve pasture production, utilisation and persistence. Moving stock around a small number of paddocks, grazing each for a fixed time, is an easy way to get started. This simple approach can be introduced to trial the system and build confidence.
Tactics
To start a simple 4-paddock rotation:
- Combine animals from 4 paddocks into one mob, or subdivide a single paddock into 4 smaller paddockswith temporary electric fences
- Rotate stock around the 4 paddocks in a general program of 2-week grazing and 6-week rest
- Managers of native pastures have successfully used 2-paddock rotations (4 week graze; 4-week rest) and four-paddock rotation (4 week graze; 12 week rest)
- The rotation may be sped up (1 week graze, 3 week rest), after the autumn break to reduce the grazing pressure on new pasture growth, allowing it to bulk-up. The rotation can then be progressively increased to a 2-week grazing as more feed becomes available
- Stock may need to be moved weekly in spring (1 week graze; 3 week rest) to keep pastures in the growth phase for as long as possible. One paddock can be shut out of the rotation for silage, to enable feed growth in the other 3 paddocks to be managed more efficiently
- After a trial period, modifications can be made to the system.
Further information is contained in the MLA Tip and Tool: Getting started in simple time based rotational grazing. Get your free copy by:
- Calling: 1800 675 717
- Emailing: publications@mla.com.au
Downloading from:
- http://www.mla.com.au/tipsandtools
Management tips
Setting up
- Keep costs low at first. Use as much of the existing fencing infrastructure and watering systems on the property as possible.
When to start
- Any time of the year except during lambing. The break of season often provides an ideal time to defer grazing some paddocks to allow pastures to start growing.
Livestock
- Start the rotation with mature dry stock (Merino wethers or steers). These will be less affected by any feed restrictions occur. Alternatively, steers can be run with heifers, or sheep and cattle grazed together to make up the grazing mobs.
Water
- A reliable supply of clean, good quality water is important as livestock mob size is often larger. Design paddocks to share water points or use a system of portable troughs that move with the stock. If you only have surface water at one end of the paddock, build a laneway to service multiple paddocks.
- Access to water may not be as important for dry stock during winter, when pasture often contains over 75% moisture.
Fences
- Use electric fencing to keep cost to a minimum.
Measure and monitor
- Ongoing assessment of pastures and animals is best management practice in any grazing system.
- The pasture should be monitored to estimate the amount of pasture remaining when livestock are moved. This provides an indication of the degree of under or over-grazing.
Go slow
- Simple trialing can be a key to risk management success. The first year can be used to train stock, set-up a routine and build confidence in the management routine.
- Seek advice from someone with practical experience during the start-up phase.
What can go wrong
- When stock over-graze a paddock, they damage the pasture base.
- If there is not sufficient rest period for regrowth between grazing, total pasture production can be seriously reduced. Rest periods should be at least 3 weeks for rapidly growing pasture, and 6 weeks at other times. Reduce stock numbers by selling excess stock or feeding stock in a containment area
- Have a management plan to cover late autumn breaks, wet, cold winters, dry springs, and drought.
The rotations may be sped up (one-week graze, three weeks rest) after the autumn break to reduce the grazing pressure on new pasture growth, allowing it to bulk up. The rotation can then be progressively increased to a two-week grazing as more feed becomes available.
