2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners Joe Carpenter and Barb Downey share these tips for improving grazing.
Bale grazing. They have found bale grazing bromegrass fields helps improve soil health, increase organic matter and reduce fertilizer costs. They estimate it saves them $1 per head per day.
The process includes leaving bales then allowing regrowth to occur as well as in some instances interseeding red clover or alfalfa. Portable electric fencing is used to create paddocks around the bales, allowing them to easily adjust grazing areas. Typically giving cows two days of feed. A key to their success is using twine-wrapped bales. They also emphasize the importance of using the bale grazing on crop ground or brome ground. This system does not work with fescue or native grass.
See what bale grazing looks like on the Downey Ranch in this gallery.
Virtual fencing with grazing collars. In 2024, the couple did a test run with grazing collars. They are planning to implement virtual fencing using grazing collars on their entire cow herd this summer. This technology will allow them to more easily subdivide and rotationally graze large pastures without the expense of permanent fencing and the investment in water sources. Downey predicts this could increase their stocking rates by 25% to 50% while improving pasture health.
Rotational grazing. On their native grass pastures, they move cattle every five days to allow for plant regrowth and rest periods.
Monitor and adjust. Carpenter emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring the pastures. He explains they are not afraid to experiment and make changes to improve grazing efficiency.
Read more: Stewards of the Land and Angus Cattle
