Overview

Grazing plays a vital role in modern dairy farming, offering numerous benefits for both cows and the farm’s sustainability. This module covers the essential principles of grazing management, providing you with the knowledge and tools necessary for successful pasture management and grazing systems. Various grazing systems can be utilized depending on farm resources and goals. One of the systems covered is the cut-and-carry or zero grazing system, where cows are fed harvested forage rather than grazing directly on pasture. While this system can be beneficial in areas with limited grazing land, it requires careful planning of feed supply and quality. Farmers must also implement effective pasture management techniques to ensure that high-quality grass is available year-round. Proper use of fertilizers, along with careful monitoring of pasture growth and availability, is critical to ensuring cows have access to nutritious forage. Tools for measuring pasture growth and availability can help guide grazing decisions, ensuring that cows graze efficiently without overgrazing or undergrazing the land. Since grass quality is directly tied to milk production, maintaining healthy pastures through techniques such as reseeding or overseeding is essential to ensure continued high-quality forage. Moreover, farmers must make a strategic decision between grazing or housing cows in a barn, depending on factors such as farm size, climate, available resources, and production goals. Both grazing and housing systems offer distinct social, market, and financial advantages but require careful management to ensure long-term farm success. By the end of this module, participants will understand the different grazing systems, their benefits and challenges, and how to implement effective grazing and pasture management practices to optimize cattle health and milk production.