When pastures green up in the spring, producers start thinking about turnout. They do not want to keep feeding harvested feeds any longer than needed. Three extension specialists say the challenge is producers can turnout too soon, which can result in reducing the forage production potential for the entire grazing season.
What should producers consider before turnout? Aaron Berger, University of Nebraska beef systems education educator, says there are three things to consider ensuring a successful and safe pasture turnout:
Forage readiness. “The first and most crucial step is assessing grass conditions,” Berger says. “Producers should ensure there are at least three leaves present.”
This is important during drought conditions, when grass availability may be limited. Berger explains turning out cattle too early can exacerbate feed shortages and potentially damage pasture vegetation.
- Water source evaluation. Water availability and quality are paramount. Berger reminds producers to carefully inspect water sources, especially during drought years. Stock ponds, dams and dugouts may not be recharged as usual, potentially leading to poor water quality. Water with high solid content can be unsuitable for livestock consumption, making thorough assessment critical.
- Noxious plant identification. Berger says scouting the pasture for potentially harmful plants is essential. Drought conditions can make cattle more likely to consume plants they would normally avoid. Identifying and addressing these potential hazards can prevent livestock health issues.
Ron Lemenager, Purdue beef specialist, says forage height is important. He explains cool-season grasses should be at least 6 inches tall.
“Leaf material is critical for photosynthesis and plant recovery after grazing,” he says. “The early-season forages are typically high in water, potassium and soluble nitrogen content but low in energy. We used to refer to this as ‘washy grass.’”
The challenge here is that cattle cannot eat enough dry matter to meet their energy requirement. This is especially true for replacement heifers coming off a gaining diet to reach approximately 60% of their mature weight by the beginning of the breeding season. When turned out to lush early season pasture, they can crash on energy and go into negative energy balance.
“This results in a reduction in the number of heifers cycling and early embryo death,” Lemenager says. “If the breeding season coincides with this energy crash, fewer heifers will become pregnant until they adapt.”
AJ Tarpoff, DVM and Kansas State University extension veterinarian, agrees with the importance of scouting pastures and determining forage availability.
“Be sure to check forage availability and make any stocking rate adjustments, if necessary,” Tarpoff adds.
Lemenager says soil condition is another factor to consider.
“If it is cool and soils are water-logged, the roots system is compromised,” he explains. “Additionally, hoof action on wet soils will result in pugging (deep depressions). The challenge here is that weed seeds that have accumulated and laid dormant over the years but buried below the germination zone. When soils are pugged, these weed seeds are now closer to the surface and germinate.”
Be Sure to Communicate With Neighbors
Tarpoff encourages producers to have an open line of communication with neighbors. It’s a good idea to share when turning out, what types of cattle are going out (yearlings, pairs, bulls) and how the cattle are identified, for example, tags or brands.
“This open communication helps identify strays earlier,” he adds.
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