Managing pasture properly requires much skill, just like any agronomic crop. I think it requires more skill to do it in an “A” grade fashion than row crops because there is a livestock component to the agricultural system, too. Proper pasture management is more than opening the gate to the pasture and letting livestock graze season long.
The following table includes several statements that I consider essential for a very successful pasture program. Take the time to do a self evaluation of how good a job you are doing with each statement given. Rankings “Strongly Disagree” or “Disagree” require some attention to have topnotch pasture for your livestock.
If you have not developed a team of resource people that can help you with your questions about forage management, a good starting point is to contact your county’s Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) personnel. These individuals have a network within their own organizations and know local-regional agribusinesses and producers that will be able to help you with your questions.
Excellent detailed information developed by NRCS employees about pasture assessment can be found at this link Guide to Pasture Condition Scoring | NRCS (usda.gov).
Developing excellent pasture management skills require much effort, but the well being of your livestock will improve because you do.
This information is in honor of Dave Forgey and Dave Nuhring, producers who taught a young forage specialist (me) and thousands of others the value of rotational stocking.
