A combination of deferment, rotation, seasonal rest and late season grazing of first cut hay fields can be incorporated into a grazing plan. Of particular importance in any plan are stock density and frequency of grazing. These factors are more important than the kind of grazing schedule developed. Well planned fencing, including a central water supply system, will facilitate the easy movement of livestock and allow water to be available to all pastures. A central water system also reduces alleys and eliminates extra fences.
Rotational grazing requires a high stocking intensity for a short period.
If stock remain in a field too long, the more palatable regrowth is grazed prematurely, which decreases subsequent production. The number of fields is more important than the actual size of the fields. If fields cannot be grazed uniformly, stock density should be increased either by increasing the number of animals or dividing the field. Fields are best divided according to topography, soil type and forage species present rather than by simply cross fencing the field into neat squares. Fencing is especially necessary to separate woodland from cultivated land, tame from native pastures and wetland from highland areas.