How do I dEcidE w^en to qRAZE? 



There is no single grazing schedule that can be applied to all situations 

 because every grazing unit is unique. Design a grazing schedule according 

 to your management objectives and resource concerns. Remember to 

 consider resource limitations such as poisonous plants, seasonal availabil- 

 ity of water, wildlife use, and lease requirements. Build flexibility into the 

 schedule to accommodate unplanned events, such as severe drought, 

 insect outbreaks, or wildfire. 



The number, size, and arrangement ot grazing units will greatly influence 

 and possibly dictate the type of grazing schedule that can be applied. Be 

 realistic when estimating labor resources and the ease of moving live- 

 stock. Schedules that minimize animal stress will result in higher animal 

 performance. 



Plan the season of use (spring, summer, fall, winter) withm a grazing unit 

 according to management objectives, the lifecycles and needs of plants. 



Plan the ^casim of use (spring, summer, full, winter) u'itl\ii\ a grujtn^ unit aecitnlin^ to 

 inanoficnient objccIii'L's, the UfeeyeU-s and ncfds (»//)l(inf\, ami animal nutritional needs. 



There is no single grazing schedule that can he applied to all situations because every grazing 

 unit is unique. 



and animal nutritiotial needs. Coordinate the season of use with live- 

 stock management operations, such as breeding and calving/lambing 

 periods. 



Bear in mind that early spring use may cause resource damage when soils 

 and streambanks are wet and more susceptible to compaction and animal 

 trampling. Early spring use also removes new leaf growth at a critical 

 time in their growth cycle. These leaves are needed for photosynthesis, 

 and their removal may result in reduced forage production throughout 

 the growing season. Pastures seeded to introduced plant species such as 

 crested wheatgrass or Russian wildrye that have been developed prima- 

 rily for early spring use can provide early spring forage for livestock while 

 native pastures begin their yearly growth cycle. 



Encourage the growth of desirable trees, shriibs, and other woody ]-'lants 

 in grazing units, especially in riparian areas. 



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