Although early farmers and stockmen had to graze woodlands out of necessity, this is not the case today. Even with an ample supply of open ground available to support livestock, many landowners still allow their woodlands to be grazed. Since cattle are the predominant livestock allowed to graze woodlands, this article will be concerned primarily with them, although much of the information pertains to any type of livestock, including hogs. Ask a forester about grazing woodlands and he will expound upon the bad effects grazing has on a productive forest. Often this information falls on deaf ears.
Many landowners have the misconception that trees and forests are virtually indestructible.
Given the long life span of most trees and their ability to withstand many naturally occurring stresses, it's not hard to see why many people think this way. Ask a stockman about grazing woodlands and a variety of answers may be given. Studies show it can take up to 40 acres of woodland to provide the same quantity of forage as one acre of grassland. Missouri's woodlands contain several kinds of plants poisonous to livestock. Many have a disagreeable taste that ordinarily discourages livestock.