Advantages and Disadvantages of Deferred Grazing

Deferred grazing is a pasture management strategy that involves putting some paddocks out of rotation to optimize grazing pressure on the remaining paddocks. This approach offers several benefits, such as increased tiller density of perennial grasses, improved pasture growth, and the provision of high-quality feed at the end of summer. It also contributes to the overall maintenance of pasture quality and can lead to increased livestock growth and profitability for farms.

However, it’s important to consider the drawbacks of deferred grazing as well. During the deferred period, there may be a temporary decline in nutritive value, requiring careful planning of grazing rotations. So, it’s crucial to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before implementing deferred grazing on a farm.

Key Takeaways:

• Deferred grazing offers advantages like increased tiller density and improved pasture growth.
• It can provide high-quality feed at the end of summer and lead to increased livestock growth and profitability.
• However, there may be a temporary decline in nutritive value and the need for careful grazing rotation planning.
• Consider the benefits and drawbacks before implementing deferred grazing on a farm.

Why Native Pastures Need Deferred Grazing

Native pastures play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting the ecological balance of an ecosystem. However, overgrazing can have detrimental effects on these delicate ecosystems, leading to reduced ground cover, increased plant death, and the invasion of unwanted weeds. This is where deferred grazing comes in as a valuable management strategy.

Deferred grazing allows native pastures to recover and thrive by giving them a much-needed break from continuous grazing. By temporarily excluding livestock from certain paddocks, the native perennial grasses have a chance to regenerate, increasing their population and improving overall pasture health. This regeneration process is crucial for maintaining the ecological resilience of native pastures and preserving their valuable biodiversity.

“Deferred grazing helps ensure seed production of native grasses, increasing the potential of existing native grasses, and promoting strong competition among them. It also plays a crucial role in weed control, as the increased ground cover from the regenerating native grasses helps suppress weed growth,” says Dr. Jane Meadows, a leading expert in pasture management.

The benefits of deferred grazing extend beyond the ecological aspect. Livestock profitability can also be enhanced through this practice. By allowing the native pastures to fully recover, farmers can provide high-quality feed for their livestock during critical periods, such as the end of summer when other pastures may have depleted nutrient levels. This improved feed availability can lead to increased livestock growth and ultimately higher profitability for farms.

The Impact of Deferred Grazing on Native Pastures

The positive impact of deferred grazing on native pastures can be summarized as follows:

Benefits of Deferred Grazing	Impact on Native Pastures
Increased seed production of native grasses	Enhances the potential of existing native grasses and promotes competition
Improved weed control	Suppresses weed growth through increased ground cover
Enhanced pasture health	Rejuvenates native perennial grasses and improves overall pasture quality
Increased livestock growth and profitability	Provides high-quality feed during critical periods

Implementing deferred grazing requires careful planning and consideration of paddock selection, pasture cover, and grazing timing. It is essential to choose paddocks that are not serving as breeding grounds for weeds and have the potential for optimal native pasture regeneration. Monitoring pasture cover for surplus and selecting the right timing for deferring a paddock are crucial for successful implementation.

In conclusion, deferred grazing is a valuable management strategy for native pastures. By allowing these delicate ecosystems to recover and regenerate, we can maintain biodiversity, control weed growth, and improve the overall health of native perennial grasses. Farmers can also benefit from increased livestock growth and profitability. It is crucial to carefully plan and implement deferred grazing to ensure its effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

How to Set Up a Paddock for Deferred Grazing

Setting up a paddock for deferred grazing is a crucial step in implementing this pasture management strategy effectively. Careful planning and consideration are required to maximize the benefits and minimize potential drawbacks. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

1. Paddock Selection: When choosing a paddock for deferred grazing, it is important to consider the performance of the existing vegetation. Avoid paddocks that are not performing well, as they may not provide optimal feed during the deferred period. Additionally, select paddocks that have not been deferred in recent years to ensure the best outcomes.
2. Pasture Cover: Assess the pasture cover of the selected paddock before deferring it. Ensure that the paddock has adequate cover to support sustained growth and avoid erosion issues. It is recommended to defer only a small portion (10-15%) of the total farm area to maintain a balanced grazing system.
3. Ryegrass Performance: Highly fertile native pasture species, such as ryegrass and clover, are preferred for deferred grazing. These species have the potential to rebound quickly after the deferred period, providing nutritious forage for livestock.
4. Weed Breeding Ground: Avoid selecting paddocks that serve as breeding grounds for weeds. Deferred grazing can inadvertently promote weed growth if the paddock contains a substantial amount of weed seeds or invasive species.
5. Pasture Surplus: Consider the presence of pasture surplus when setting up a paddock for deferred grazing. If the paddock has an excess amount of forage, deferring it can help manage the surplus and prevent wastage.
6. Grazing Timing: Selecting the right timing for deferring a paddock is crucial. It should be based on the growth stage of the vegetation and the nutritional requirements of the livestock. Ideally, defer the paddock when it reaches an optimal height and density for maximum regrowth potential.

By following these guidelines, farmers can ensure the successful implementation of deferred grazing on their farms. It is important to remember that each farm and pasture system is unique, so adaptability and monitoring are key to achieving the desired results.

Table: Paddock Selection Criteria for Deferred Grazing

Criteria	Description
Paddock Performance	Choose paddocks with good vegetation performance to ensure optimal feed during deferred period.
Pasture Cover	Assess the paddock’s pasture cover to ensure adequate growth and avoid erosion.
Ryegrass and Clover	Prefer highly fertile native pasture species for faster regrowth after deferred period.
Weed Control	Avoid paddocks that serve as breeding grounds for weeds to prevent weed growth.
Pasture Surplus	Consider paddocks with excess forage to manage surplus and prevent wastage.
Grazing Timing	Select optimal timing based on vegetation growth stage and livestock nutritional requirements.

Results of Deferred Grazing

When it comes to pasture productivity, deferred grazing has shown promising results. By implementing this strategy, farmers have observed significant improvements in various aspects of their grazing operations. One of the key benefits is the increased ground cover of ryegrass, which helps to prevent soil erosion and maintain the overall health of the pasture.

Deferred grazing also enhances the availability of nitrogen for the plants, promoting their growth and ensuring a more nutritious feed for livestock. This increased nitrogen availability, coupled with the reduced competition from weeds, results in improved sward productivity and animal performance. Farmers have reported higher weight gains and better overall condition of their livestock when utilizing deferred grazing.

Furthermore, studies have demonstrated a positive impact on farm profitability. Farms implementing deferred grazing have seen an average increase of 8% in gross margins per hectare. This significant improvement can be attributed to the enhanced pasture productivity and the resulting higher quality feed available for the livestock.

Another noteworthy outcome of deferred grazing is the improvement in soil moisture content. Through careful management of paddocks and grazing rotations, farmers have observed higher soil moisture levels in deferred paddocks compared to those under rotational grazing. This not only benefits the pasture and the plants but also contributes to better water retention and overall sustainability of the farm.