The alternative to clipping is to leave one or two pastures out of the rotation after initial spring grazing and to stockpile the forage for hay, emergency use or fall use. It is better to defer grazing one or two pastures to maintain high quality in the remaining pastures. The deferred pastures need not be grazed all at once since the performance of young stock may be reduced. In the fall, mature cows can effectively clean up these pastures and still gain weight. Keeping records Good records can be valuable in assessing grazing performance.
Past records can be useful in indicating future use.
Mapping pastures to illustrate areas of overuse, sufficient use and under use can be a guide for future pasture developments such as locating fences or water, or the distribution of salt-mineral areas. An interim weighing of cattle can be used to project gain for the season. Similarly, a nutrient analysis of forage clippings and an estimate of daily intake can determine when and what supplementation is required. The user of this information agrees to the terms and conditions in the copyright and disclaimer . Her Majesty the Queen in the Right of Alberta.