Join our Pasture Walk May 29, 2026. You can RSVP here.
In this video, we’re in a recently grazed native pasture and evaluating whether the cows were moved to the next paddock at the right time, we show you real time grazing decisions. By looking closely at what the cattle ate, what they left behind, and how much quality forage remains. We talk through the thought process behind making grazing decisions on Native Warm Season Grasses in real time.
How to read grazed grass clumps to judge forage quality.
Why cattle target vegetative Big Bluestem leaves before its seed stalks.
How we are keeping an eye on the population of Wild Rye (Elymus spp) seed heads remaining in the pasture.
How moving cattle when the grass is lightly grazed can protect cattle weight gain and plant regrowth.
When leaving solar collectors (leaf area) above growth points matters.
How opening the canopy helps Native Cool Season Grasses regrow for winter grazing.
With plenty of grass available after a great rainfall year, the goal in this case isn’t maximum utilization. The focus is quality feed, fast moves, and setting the pasture up for future grazing when it’s needed most. This is a practical, boots-on-the-ground look at grazing management. Showing how observation, plant biology, and timing all come together in everyday decisions. It is applicable to Native Warm Seasons such as Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans), Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), and Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum).
