01/10/2021
We post this graphic a couple of times a year, as it's the best one we've seen.
This applies directly to pastures now. If animals aren't removed when grasses are grazed down to 3", this is the kind of root damage we see.
Imagine the below-surface view of an entire pasture in the first or second stages, then imagine it when it is grazed to stage three.
Which of the three scenarios will overwinter more successfully with far less mortality and damage?
Which will begin forage growth earliest in the spring? Remember that plants have to replace root mass first before putting energy into foliage.
Which will withstand hoof pressure and compaction and be more resilient in muddy spring conditions?
Which will result in the largest production of forage over the entire growing season?
Which will have the strongest soil biota community and therefore the healthiest soils and forage?
Which will cost the least in terms of care and rehab?
Which will require the least supplemental hay in the spring and later in the summer and fall?
Which will have the most diversity and therefore the highest nutrition for grazing equines?
Which will keep animals in the best body condition?
Which will have the lowest w**d populations?
Which will have the least danger of toxic events from unwanted plants (and lack of palatable forage)?
Which will take the least attention, least labor, least money, and least time to manage?
And this is why we teach (and preach!) pasture management. :)
