Grazing stockpiled fall growth Fescue is an efficient practice, cutting the high cost and labor of feeding hay even through moderate ice or snow has covered the ground. February Fescue held over from the fall is often of better quality than Fescue hay. Holding livestock off of the forage until the day it is ready to be grazed prevents deterioration and loss of feed value caused by the bruising of leaves by hoof action. Called stripgrazing, by moving a portable electric fence, fresh forage is given each one to three days.
This practice was done many years ago to some extent when feeding small round bales left in the field. Revived with more current and flexible electric fencing materials, it saves fuel costs, handling labor and rutting wear on the fields associated with hay feeding while feeding livestock very well and keeping manure fertilizer out on the grass where it can grow next year’s forage. Economically, grazing farmers are saving a dollar or more per cow per day over hay feeding this winter.
Myron Hartzell, Natural Resources Conservation Service grassland specialist in Dallas County, Missouri.
