I’ve done everything that you suggested and I’m still not getting the production, what should I do?
1st, you can live with pastures that aren’t very productive even under intensive management. Cut down the number of animals you are grazing or increase your pasture acreage.

The next troubleshooting step is to take a good hard look at your soil test. Ideally, you should test your soil before you set up your pasture system. But with the low priority most pastures have gotten in the past, soil testing usually comes as an afterthought.

Even if you do soil test 1st, don’t run out and order enough fertilizer and lime to grow 10 ton per acre alfalfa. Most intensive grazing systems do just fine at moderate pH and fertility levels. If your soil is very acidic, lime to bring the pH up to about 6.0. Bring P and K levels up to the medium to high range suggested by your land grant university for grass/legume hay at yields appropriate for your fields.

Show All Answers

1. What kind of fencing should I use?
2. What shape should my paddocks be?
3. How should I orient my paddocks on slopes?
4. How tall should the pasture be when I start grazing?
5. When should I move livestock to new grass?
6. Should I drag my pastures?
7. I’ve done everything that you suggested and I’m still not getting the production, what should I do?
8. Should I reseed my pastures?