What I've Learned About Quality Pasture part IV

Different seasons present different obstacles for us novice farmers and, I dare say, the experienced farmer as well. I have read many things on the seasonality of farming and have developed a fair opinion on when it is best to do things. Again, I am no expert. But it would seem common sense to calve in the Spring because of the Spring lush. Tha calf needs the extra nutrients of the fresh growth. Pastured poultry, as well, do better on the new grass. The grass grows fast in the Spring, but, experts say, spring grass is high in protien but low on soluble fiber. Because of this the animals must consume huge quantities to get enough nutrients (other than protien) to grow efficiently. Young chickens are all about protien which is why they do so well on the spring grass. Tha same goes for a calf. The key here would be to diversify the pasture grass species to provide the needed nutrients. It is a catch 22 on our farm. The soil is so sad that it will be difficult to grow the legumes or other species until the soil can be improved. Which is what I'm working on.

In mid summer, the heat and length of sunlight causes the grass to decrease in quantity and quality. Around here, it has dried up at this point. So the plan should be to extend the paddock stay, or slow the rotation down a bit. When we get to a point that we can stockpile grass, this would be a good time to ration it out.

In the fall it tends to start to rain again here. Not always very much, but it does begin to come more frequently. This is when tall fescue will kick in. Or any cool season grass or cereal. Alan Nation says that this would be a good time to supplement with additional carbs. The grass may be low in energy, or sugar. Again, this is all contingent on having good grass to start with. The focus here, is on building the soil. I can't loose the focus on that. I don't want another year that we start feeding hay in August.

If you would like all the details on this subject, look for "Quality Pasture" by Alan Nation. I'm just summarizing the things I've learned and talking it out so I can plant it into memory. You can purchase this book through the Stockman Grass Farmer, look for it. It is a good investment. Meanwhile, I'll keep reading. Until next time...