Dean Kreager, OSU Extension Educator ANR, Licking County
Farmland prices continue to rise and so does the value of pastureland. As I listen to discussions on renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and land development, I can only imagine that land values will continue to rise. As land values go up so will rental rates for both farmland and pasture. Sometimes the true value of pasture forage is overlooked and not maximized. Is there a practical option to increase productivity on your pastureland and increase your profit per acre?
Grazed forage is your chance to have a high-quality feed without the expenses and time needed to make hay. The more days out of the year animals are grazing, the less stored forage is needed, and the less time is spent feeding stored forages. Let the livestock do the work as much of the year as possible.
Many grazing systems have been used and each have their own advantages and disadvantages. As land values and expenses go up it may be time to re-evaluate your method. Grazing systems can be broken down into three general categories: Continue reading