As grazing nears an end, give some thought to closing up paddocks. A bit of planning in early October will pay off when there is grass to allow turnout next March or April.
While there is merit in drawing up an autumn grazing plan, with set areas to graze off each week, the reality is that weather and conditions make such plans impractical.
Therefore, when it comes to the final grazing rotation, outlined are some tips to closing up paddocks this autumn.
1. Target swards with heavy covers now
Target paddocks with heavy grass covers for grazing over the next week, while ground conditions are reasonably good.
If these swards are not grazed off in time, this grass will be wasted. Frost damage can cause grass to die back and heavy covers usually turn white as the amount of dead matter increases.
This dead material needs to be grazed off next spring before grass will grow. Heavy covers carried over winter will also rule out these fields for slurry in early spring.
Swards with a high clover content also need to be grazed tight before closing, as a heavy cover left in place will shade out the clover plants next spring.
2. Closing off older swards and wetter paddocks
On farms with lower to moderate grass covers, the focus should be on closing off paddocks with older, less productive swards first. This gives these swards a longer rest period over winter.
The same goes with wetter fields. Graze as soon as possible while conditions are holding up, then close off. This reduces the risk of ground damage late in the year.
3. Change up the grazing rotation
To get on top of paddocks outlined in the first two steps, it may be necessary to change the grazing rotation during autumn.
Skip paddocks as required to get cattle on heavy covers and fields that are prone to poaching once ground conditions deteriorate.
4. Spreading cattle out over a bigger area
If the farm is carrying a good cover of grass, and housing usually starts in mid-October, spread cattle over the grazing area to get on top of heavy covers.
In contrast, on drier land, there may be an option to reduce grazing allocations to 24 hour breaks using temporary electric fencing. That condenses grazing pressure onto a smaller areas, improving grass utilisation and clean out before closing up for winter.
5. House heavier cattle and use lighter stock to clean out covers
Don’t be tempted to hold every animal at grass until weather breaks for good. Plan ahead and gradually house heavier cattle over the next fortnight.
Leave lighter weanlings outside to graze out paddocks for as long as grass supply and weather permits.
A gradual approach to housing reduces stress on cattle and farmers. It will also reduce the risk of respiratory problems and limit the potential for poaching as grass supplies run out.