A grazing schedule prwides an outline of the time of the year gru^ing occurs, the length of 

 the grazing period, and the frequency and extent of plant use. 



identitied in each unit. A key grazing area is a relatively small portion of a 

 grazing unit selected because of its location, use, or grazing value. A properly 



selected key area may serve as a monitoring point and will reflect grazing use 

 and effects throughout the grazing unit. 



Within each grazing unit, select key grazing areas that are representative of 

 that unit. Monitor the key areas to evaluate grazing and management on the 

 entire unit. A key grazing area must provide a significant amount of the 

 available forage in the grazing unit and must contain the key plant species 

 being managed tor. When riparian areas make up part of the grazing unit, be 

 sure to select key areas and key species within those riparian areas. This may 

 include browsing of woody species; indicating that it is time to move to the 

 next pasture. 



Key plant species are forage plants that serve as indicators — the extent of 

 grazing on key species reflects the extent of grazing on associated species. 

 Plants can also be designated as key species simply because they play such an 

 important role that they must be considered in the management plan. 



Identify key grazing areas and key species according to management objectives, resource concerns, and 

 other influences on the pattern of grazing distribution in each grazing unit. If the key area is properly 

 grazed, the grazing unit as a whole will not be over grazed. Remember that livestock preference varies 

 for different types of range, so you may need more than one key area in each grazing unit. 



Step 4 - Develop a grazing schedule to implement. 



A grazing schedule provides an outline of the time of the year grazing occurs, the length of the grazing 

 period, and the frequency and extent of plant use. Scheduled rest periods for plant recovery after grazing 

 are essential, and must occur within the current or following growing season of the key plant species. 

 The length and frequency of planned rest periods will determine the amount of grazing use possible 

 without damage to plants. If a long rest period is planned, plants can usually sustain a greater degree of 

 use. 



In general, to avoid selective re-grazing of preferred plants, no grazing unit should be grazed for more than 

 half the growing season of key species. Periods of use throughout the growing season (early, mid, late) may 

 be alternated from year to year. At least once every three to four years, rest each field — do not allow grazing 

 on it from the beginning of plant growth uiitil seed set. This will ensure reproductive recovery. 



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