When developing a pasture management program, consider the present resources and goals. Determine the acres available for pasture and hay production and the number of animals that this acreage will currently support. Likewise the livestock numbers which either are or will be supported by this acreage should be determined based on intensity of forage/livestock management planned.
It will take from one to five or more acres of summer pasture per animal unit depending on pasture productivity and type of grazing management practiced. Approximately two tons of hay for winter feeding per animal unit are also required. If the land in its present state of productivity will adequately supply the forage for the desired number of livestock, then little beyond annual maintenance may be necessary in pasture or forage improvement. If the land available will not produce sufficient feed for the livestock numbers, or if the desire is to expand the livestock numbers, there are several alternatives to increase pasture productivity.
Pasture often can be expanded and production potential increased with only brush and weed control. In many areas brush and weeds have encroached into pasture land, and "bush-hogging" or clipping may be the first step in pasture improvement. This is also a good time to eradicate such vigorous weeds as Canada thistle, tall ironweed and multiflora rose. A combination of clipping and herbicide treatment may be needed to control such species.
Banvel (1/2 to 1 pt/A), 2,4-D amine or ester (1-4 pt/A), a combination of Banvel and 2,4-D, or Crossbow (1-4 qt/A) may be sprayed in permanent grass pasture to control many annual and perennial broadleaf weeds including bullthistle, Canada thistle, chicory, plantain, burdock, dandelion and dock. Crossbow, a mixture of triclopyr and 2,4-D at a 2 qt/A rate provides excellent control of tall ironweed when applied in June or when top growth exceeds 10 inches in height through to early August when ironweed often becomes infested with a Puccinia rust. Control drops drastically when ironweed leaves become rusted or begin to naturally senesce. Consult and follow labels for specific application rate and animal grazing or hay harvest restriction for any herbicide considered for use in pastures.
For general broadleaf control in pastures, best results are obtained in early summer when weeds are actively growing, or in autumn after precipitation causes renewed fall growth. Some weeds, particularly deep-rooted perennials such as Canada thistle, may require repeated treatments over time for control. Banvel is more effective than 2,4-D on Canada thistle, smartweeds, woody plants and most perennials. Dairy animals cannot be grazed for a year following Crossbow applications or hay harvested that season, but there are no restrictions on grazing by other animal species. Banvel has no waiting period between treatment and grazing for nonlactating animals, but remove meat animals from treated areas 30 days prior to slaughter. Banvel has a restriction for lactating dairy animals for seven days before grazing and 37 days before hay harvest for Banvel rates up to 1 pt/A to a maximum of 60 days before grazing and 90 days before hay harvest for up to 8 qt/A. There are intermediate restrictions for 1 and 2 qt/A rates (see label). Generally, 2,4-D labels specify removal of meat animals from freshly treated areas for 7 days before slaughter and to not graze dairy cattle for 14 days after application, but consult label for specific requirements for that brand and formulation.
Banvel, 2,4-D and Crossbow will kill or severely injure most legumes that may be in pastures. When using Banvel, extra precautions should be used to prevent drift. For a more complete discussion of herbicides with pastures, see Agronomy Fact AGF-306, "Broadleaf Weed Control in Grass Pastures."
The next step is to improve soil fertility. Pastures are frequently low in pH and phosphorus and may need potash. Obtain a soil analysis to determine the present soil fertility levels and apply nutrients as necessary. In many cases a thin unproductive pasture can be developed into a productive bluegrass merely with the application of limestone and fertilizer and the healing factor of time and proper grazing management.
| Present Percent Bluegrass Cover |
Number of Years Complete Bluegrass Stand |
|---|---|
| 10 | 6-10 |
| 10-25 | 5-6 |
| 25-50 | 3-4 |
| 50-75 | 2 |
Soil analysis reports indicate the nutrient levels present in the soil and prescribe the quantity of nutrients necessary to fulfill plant production requirements.
Rotational grazing of pastures is necessary for maintaining stands of the productive forage species. Rotational grazing results in improved utilization of what is grown, by reducing selective grazing, animal tramping and waste.
Rotational grazing simply involves dividing the pasture into several areas; usually three to six are sufficient. Graze each area to no closer than two inches, then rotate the livestock to the next area. A recovery period of 30-35 days is desirable before the field is again grazed. Intensive or rotational grazing systems are based on short grazing intervals of part of a day or up to 3-4 days per paddock or grazing area.
During periods of heavy growth some areas may be harvested and the forage stored or stockpiled for winter use or for supplemental feed during the later part of summer.
Summer Pasture -
Grass - orchardgrass, Kentucky bluegrass
Legume - red clover, alfalfa (or birdsfoot trefoil,
Northeastern Ohio only)
Winter Pasture -
Grass - tall fescue (endophyte free variety)
Legume - red clover or alfalfa
In preparation for reseeding, apply corrective applications of limestone and fertilizer based on soil analysis. The area can be plowed and a conventional seedbed prepared, the area surface tilled (trash mulch) or a no-tillage seeding can be the technique of soil preparation for the seeding. Seedings should be made during April and early May or during August. A two to four fold increase in forage yield can be expected by establishing the more productive cool season tall grasses and legumes.
Put the forage program all together so as to have a total year-around system. Some areas may be only suited for pasture because of terrain, slope, etc. Other fields may be suited only for hay production due to limited fencing, water supply, etc. Integrate the hay and pasture into one system to provide more flexibility in the total operation.
Excess pasture can be harvested as hay. Hay meadow aftermath can be grazed if needed. New seedings may be best harvested as hay. Crop residues can be utilized where available. Versatility of the forage program is enhanced. Costs are reduced by an aggressive pasture management program.
| Period | Acres Per A/U | Forage Mixture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Pasture | 6-7 Mo. | 1.0-2.0 | orchardgrass-white clover orchardgrass-red clover orchardgrass-alfalfa bluegrass-white clover bluegrass-birdsfoot trefoil |
| Winter Forage (hay) |
5-6 Mo. | - | orchardgrass-alfalfa s. bromegrass-alfalfa timothy-red clover timothy-birdsfoot trefoil |
| Winter Pasture | - | .8-1.5 | tall fescue-red clover
tall fescue-alfalfa tall fescue-white clover |
Prepared by:
Donald K. Myers
Extension Agronomist Emeritus
Revised by:
John F. Underwood
District Agronomy Specialist
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Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension.
TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868