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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #285188

Title: How to avoid costly mistakes in pasture management

Author
item FLACK, SARAH - Consultant
item DALEY, CINDY - Chico State University
item Soder, Kathy

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/10/2012
Publication Date: 9/26/2012
Citation: Flack, S., Daley, C., Soder, K.J. 2012. How to avoid costly mistakes in pasture management. Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance newsletter. 12(5):22,32-33.

Interpretive Summary: A interpretive summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: Well-managed pasture-based grazing systems are key to economic sustainability in the organic dairy industry. While well-managed pasture is an asset to a dairy farm, poorly managed pasture can create serious problems, including reduced milk production and poor animal performance. This article outlines critical areas that have been identified as the most common costly mistakes made by dairy graziers, including badly designed grazing systems, poor grazing management techniques, damage from over- and under-grazing, balancing rations on pastures, poor forage quality, limiting pasture dry matter intake, poor soil fertility, and inadequate record keeping.