These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Welcome

eXtension is an interactive learning environment delivering the best, most researched knowledge from the smartest land-grant university minds across America.

Find a U.S. Institution

Organic Agriculture Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

Developing a Grazing System for Your Organic Farm

Last Updated: March 18, 2010

View as web page

eOrganic author:

Mike Gamroth, Oregon State University

Choosing a Grazing Management System for Your Farm

Although most organic dairy farmers choose an intensive rotational grazing system to maximize the quality and quantity of feed from pasture, there are actually different levels of grazing management "intensity" that can be used. The following chart summarizes, compares, and contrasts three types of grazing management used.

System	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Continuous Grazing	Continuous grazing is a one-pasture system where livestock have unrestricted access throughout the grazing season.	Requires less management Capital costs are minimal	Lower forage quality and yields Lower stocking rate and less forage produced per acre Uneven pasture use Greater forage losses due to trampling Animal manure is distributed unevenly Weeds and other undesirable plants may be a problem
Simple Rotational Grazing	Simple rotational grazing is a system with more than one pasture in which livestock are moved to allow for periods of grazing and rest for forages.	Can increase forage production and improve pasture condition over continuous grazing Allows pastures to rest and allows for forage regrowth Can provide a longer grazing season, reducing the need for feeding harvested forages Better distribution of manure throughout the pasture	Costs for fencing and water systems can be higher than with continuous grazing Forage production and pasture utilization is not as high as intensive rotational grazing systems
Intensive Rotational Grazing	Intensive rotational grazing is a system with many pastures, sometimes referred to as paddocks. Livestock are moved frequently from paddock to paddock based on forage growth and utilization.	Highest forage production and use per acre Stocking rates can typically be increased More even distribution of manure throughout the paddocks Weeds and brush are usually controlled through grazing Provides more grazing options and reduces the need for mechanically harvested forages	Requires careful monitoring of forage supply Initial costs may be higher due to fencing materials and water distribution systems Requires more management

This is an eOrganic article and was reviewed for compliance with National Organic Program regulations by members of the eOrganic community. Always check with your organic certification agency before adopting new practices or using new materials. For more information, refer to eOrganic's articles on organic certification.

eOrganic 643

Browse related Articles by tag: organic production, eorganic

Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution. eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

Welcome

Find an Extension Institution

Developing a Grazing System for Your Organic Farm

Choosing a Grazing Management System for Your Farm

Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Resource Area Feeds

In This Resource Area