Rotational grazing is the base of our system in keeping a grass-fed, grass-finished herd. The object is to give the herd a more condensed feeding area at a time. There are so many benefits in this system, not the least of which includes available food source. In the colder months, we provide hay that we harvest right here on the ranch. In order to keep a good supply of hay for the coming season, the herd moves back over to grass feeding in the Spring, Summer and as much of the Fall as possible. As it is a natural instinct for the animals to graze, this also benefits their well being. Another major factor of rotational grazing is the weed management. When given a larger portion or pasture the herd will overlook a lot of the weeds available. With the condensed sectioning, we see them eat more around them and trample everything else. The stock density also gives the land increased fertility with the natural fertilization the animals are providing. Perhaps the biggest benefit we see is the increase in forage per acre. In just under a week the grasses have already been able to bounce back about half of their original growth. Managing their grazing time and a rest period for the grasses while giving the natural fertilization from the animals allows a strong reproduction. This in turn makes the grasses more effective not only during the grazing seasons but for the collection of hay. Happy cows (and ranchers) all around!
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Have we mentioned how much we love what we do? As the days have gotten longer, so has the chore list. Our favorite chore by far is checking the pasture for new calves. As we stay in the Spring calving cycle, we also keep a condensed calving time frame. We welcomed this little one along with 4 more the very same day. Unique calves like this really help in paying attention to which calve belongs to which momma. The cows continue on rotational grazing through the calving season, making sure no babies are left behind in a pasture is a must. This is made easy with the herd mentality but cows tend to keep to the motto of "it takes a village" and often leave all the calves with just a couple of momma cows at a time. To ensure we keep a good count of calves and cows, our pasture checks increase. Typically, we find ourselves checking cows about 3-5 times a day. Spending this much time with them also gives them a sense of calm and familiarity with us. This in turn produces a less stressful environment. We love our cows and every new calf. It's that time of year again, calving season! We love this time as we get to spend more time among the herd, getting to know the new calves as they arrive. With each pasture check, we have hope of seeing a new baby in the field. Currently, we have 50 momma cows who will calve through approximately a 60-day window. Starting at the end of March, our aim is to have all the new calves by early June. Giving a short and succinct allows us to keep a strong record of each new baby and their growth.
Every ranch is different in their calving practices. We prefer to keep our cows on a Spring cycle for multiple reasons. The biggest reasoning is the weather. Due to our grass-fed program, the grasses are much richer come Spring, giving our momma cows the best nutrients during nursing. This also improves rotations on the pastures. The grasses ability to bounce back increases as does the days length. While the weather warms, there is less risk of sick calves or exposure to the elements. Keeping newborn calves out of wet weather boosts a healthy start to life. Take a look at one of our newest members laying in the clovers! We just love our herd. If you enjoy seeing each new calf, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. |
AuthorWife, mother, wearer of many hats. Ranching has been my dream; welcome to my ranch life! Archives
June 2020
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