A grazing system, when done correctly, can assist rangeland managers in achieving management objectives. They can both boost production as well as reduce their overhead costs.
Selection of the proper type of system depends on understanding the unique combination of different aspects that go into range management. Things like the topography, soil type, the particular animal involved have to be balanced in order to get the best results.
Whether intended or not if you have animals grazing in a pasture then you already have a grazing system in place. If you are getting the most out of your pasture however is an entirely different story.
Pasture thistles are a group of plants that are considered a serious threat to rangelands. Like most weeds they propagate very quickly and choke out any grasses that are growing there.
Mesquite trees, everyone’s favorite “trash” tree. It can provide us with some really good firewood but it does pose some problems for range managers.
Doing a soil test can be a very effective tool in a producer’s toolbox. It can tell you the kind of nutrients available as well as the amounts that are present.
Prescribed burning, also known as controlled burning, is basically a fire set intentionally. Despite the word “fire” generally brings to mind very negative images a prescribed burn can be a good thing. It is a management tool used by land managers and landowners to improve diversity of their vegetation. It can also be used to control any invasive plants that are present in your pasture.
Distaff thistle as well as the other species of thistle are considered the most serious threat to range and pasture. Thick stands can completely crowd out other vegetation reducing grazing. The sharp spines can prevent access to both livestock and people. It is not able to be grazed due to the fact that it is unpalatable to livestock and wildlife. Once it is established it is very hard to get rid of because the seeds can survive for a very long time, some up to 8 years.
Prickly pear as well as with other species of cactus are a common problem in pastures. They can interfere with the movement of livestock and cause serious health problems. Along with this they can overtake a pasture very quickly and strangle out more desirable forages. Because of this they pose a very serious problem for livestock producers wherever they show up.
The mesquite tree is one of the toughest and most invasive species of brush there is. It has come to populate several million acres in Texas alone. As any rancher will tell you, if left unchecked it will quickly take over a pasture. Though it is a bit of a nuisance, it does have some value to both livestock and wildlife. Here are some ways that you can use to control the mesquite that is in your pasture.
Do you know what your stocking rate is? Let me rephrase that: Do you know what your real stocking rate is? Many people follow just a general rule of thumb that was developed years ago. The truth is that cattle will not always graze on every acre that is available. You could have the scenario where certain areas are being overgrazed while others are not being used at all. This is where determining your grazeable acreage will help.
Cedars are a very aggressive and destructive woody plant here in Texas. They are known to take over a pasture quickly. Along with taking forage space they are a very thirsty plant. A large infestation of cedars will completely suck dry a spring or other pasture water source.
