Other Considerations
Manure Management Manure management is very important to the
Weeds
upkeep of your property, neighborhood, and
Good pasture management includes getting rid of weeds that
the environment. Consider manure storage. If rained on, manure will leach harmful
Rot atio n a l G ra z i n g M a n ag e m e n t
nutrients into surface and groundwater. When
come up despite proper rotational
planning where to store manure try to place it
use. The weeds can be controlled
away from
manually or by spray, depending
Sources of clean water Low points on your land
on the types.
Anywhere that during a heavy rain has a sheet of water flowing across it
Sacrifice Area During times that pastures are not in use, a sacrifice area is a great place to give your animals
Manure should be placed on an impermeable surface and kept dry or composted. For information on composting, or assistance with manure storage designs or financial programs, contact Polk SWCD.
feed and exercise. These areas ideally will be mud-free and
Manure Share Program
designed for all weather
Polk SWCD has a Manure Share Program that puts people in need of fertilizer in touch
conditions.
with those who want to get rid of their manure. For more information or to join the program contact the Polk SWCD
Tips for successful grazing management 580 Main Street, Suite A ~ Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: 503-623-9680 www.polkswcd.org polk.swcd@polkswcd.com
Last updated November 18, 2013
Photos by Lisa Reiley
The Polk SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
S um me r
Summer pastures can get too dry, so avoid grazing unless irrigation is
Managing Pastures
livestock out to graze
practices will help keep your pastures
Move livestock to the next field or
Grazing on soft ground for any length of
plan
make sure to
strength and ability to grow
let the ground
Never graze below 3 inches
harden before
to a sacrifice area when the grass
grazing
is down to 3-4” in height
Sea so n al No tes
After moving the livestock har-
Fal l Wi nt e r & S pri n g
row (drag) the field to spread manure to reduce parasites, and mow
If a pasture is irrigated
time causes plant damage, reducing its
You can begin grazing livestock when grass reaches 6-8” in height
management
that the ground is hard before letting your
During the year, these management healthy and productive.
part of your
Oregon weather changes quickly. Be sure
Plants are working to reserve
In the Spring plants
energy for the winter, so be extra
to a height of 4 inches to keep the
take in many
careful not to overgraze
weeds down and
nutrients that in too
promote healthy
large of doses can be
growth
harmful to horses
Always allow the
In winter plants are
pasture to rest
dormant to save energy for spring growth
between uses. The
and need to maintain a substantial height.
period of time will depend on
Overgrazing at this time is harmful to the
weather and time of year,
health and longevity of the pasture
usually at least 2-4 weeks