If you’ve been running cattle for a while, you already know there’s more to grazing than just turning animals out onto pasture and hoping for the best. Measuring how much forage your livestock are actually eating is a big deal—it’s the starting point for making smart decisions about their nutrition and overall care. You can measure forage intake by using tools like grazing sticks or by observing the forage height before and after grazing. When you know what they’re consuming, you can better plan your grazing rotations, understand how much feed (if any) you need to supplement, and keep your herd in good shape year-round.
Accurately tracking forage intake also helps you get the most out of your land. It prevents overgrazing, which not only protects the pasture for future use but also keeps soil healthier and forage growing strong. It’s kind of like budgeting—when you know how much you’re working with and how much is being used, you can stretch your resources further and avoid surprises down the road. This responsible management not only benefits your livestock but also shows your care for the land.
But this isn’t just about today’s herd. What you’re doing now has a long-term impact on your land’s sustainability and operation. By fine-tuning your grazing strategies based on real forage intake data, you’re not just managing for today but also for the future. You’re helping ensure that your pastures stay productive for years to come. And that’s the kind of forward-thinking management that keeps ranching viable for the next generation.
