This selectivity will lead to overuse of some forages and under-use of others, undermining the productivity of the entire pasture. By restricting cattle to one smaller area, the pasture will be grazed uniformly, saving the higher quality forages from being completely exhausted and promoting their recovery and growth. Rotational grazing also can be helpful for producers who plan to renovate a pasture. Starting a new rotational grazing system takes planning. Russell suggests producers sit down with an aerial map of their pasture and sketch where and how many paddocks they want.
Cattle prefer to graze in a circular pattern.
They will graze more uniformly in a square area than one that is oblong or triangular. After the paddocks are mapped out on the photo, Russell said producers are wise to use small flags to indicate fencing prior to purchasing the materials. It s much better to find these things out before you re ready to put up fences. Temporary or semi-permanent fencing is the best choice for producers trying rotational grazing for the first time. Temporary fencing gives producers the ability to change paddocks to fit their needs.