Cool season grasses are growing rapidly and producing large amounts of forages at this time of year. Livestock may not be able to keep up with grazing the excess growth during these times. In order to keep forages from becoming too mature and decreasing in quality, one good option may be to harvest some fields for hay while managing others by grazing. If not harvesting for hay, pastures should be mowed to keep forages from becoming too mature and to control weeds. Each individual should assess whether this would be economical for them. Equipment cost, storage, time and labor are all factors when harvesting forages.

Categories: 
Spring
Grazing Systems