Technical Abstract: A survey of 44 grazing farms in the northeastern United States found 9 to 73 plant species per pasture. Forage species were the most abundant. Other species varied with the seasons, or were more common in wetter areas. Some species increase with disturbance, or respond to grazing management. Learning to identify the plant species on a farm and becoming familiar with their regular patterns in time and space can provide early indicators of changes in your pastures.