By Andi Anderson
Spring brings green pastures and renewed hope of ending hay feeding. While livestock may show strong interest in fresh grass, beginning grazing too early can reduce pasture productivity for the entire season.
Variable spring weather, including warm spells followed by near-freezing temperatures, has placed stress on many forage plants.
Early spring growth often looks promising, but it is usually fueled by energy stored in plant roots rather than active photosynthesis. During this stage, grasses are rebuilding their leaf area and restoring root reserves.
Grazing too early removes this critical growth before plants can recover, weakening them and limiting future production. This impact can be more severe if moisture conditions turn dry later.
Differences between pastures are common in spring and are often linked to management decisions made in the previous year.
Fields grazed hard late in fall usually take longer to recover, while pastures left with adequate residual, grow more evenly and quickly. Areas used for winter feeding often show higher fertility but may also show heavier grazing pressure.
A recommended target for starting grazing is when cool-season grasses reach eight to ten inches in height. Removing only the top third of the plant while keeping livestock moving helps protect plant health and ensures uniform use.
Early grazing rotations should be short, and animals should not return to a paddock until full recovery has occurred.
Walking pastures weekly is one of the most effective management practices. It helps identify uneven grazing, early weed problems, and differences in growth stages.
Harmful plants such as poison hemlock often appear early in spring and should be addressed quickly to prevent livestock exposure.
Starting grazing too early often leads to grazing regrowth before plants are ready, causing long-term damage. Waiting just a little longer allows forage to get ahead, improves flexibility, supports better regrowth, and increases total production. Spring patience protects pasture health and helps ensure a stronger grazing season overall.
FAQs:
Does green grass mean pasture is ready to graze?
No grass height and plant recovery matter more than color
What is the ideal grass height to start grazing?
Eight to ten inches for cool-season grasses
Why is early grazing harmful?
It removes growth needed to rebuild roots and energy reserves
How often should pastures be checked in spring?
At least once per week
Which fields should be grazed first?
Pastures with good residual from the previous season
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Ohio, Livestock