Tuesday, May 28, 2013

ROTATIONAL GRAZING



How boring does that sound?   But, it’s actually very interesting and gratifying to watch it work. 

From  an internet source:  Rotational grazing is a process whereby livestock are strategically moved to fresh paddocks, or partitioned pasture areas, to allow vegetation in previously grazed pastures to regenerate.

 We finally have the fencing in place to be able to do this with both the cows and the sheep.  The small pasture where the sheep currently get to graze has some very small, self-starter cottonwoods  we have protected with (a bit feeble) fencing.  For whatever reason – the grass is ALWAYS greener on the OTHER side of the fence and the sheep try their best to get at it.  So, to let them take advantage of this pasture, they need constant “sheepherding” to make sure they behave.  Not a bad way to spend an hour or two on a nice summer evening, in a lawn chair, with a glass of wine.  And, lots of other company.

5 comments:

  1. Sounds like the sheperdess is having too much fun. I was wondering if sheep respond at all to electric fencing? I don't have the heart to try it out here.

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    1. We have tried the electric fencing with the sheep - unfortunately it only worked when they were just shorn. I would think it would work for the goats - and if they are like the cows (and poor Riley Dog) it only takes once and they will stay clear of it after that. The tip of Riley's tail got it and she wouldn't go NEAR that pasture - still won't!

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  2. p.s Is your blog open to the public? If so I will mention it on mine.

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    1. I believe it is - I'm so new at this - but finding it very easy and lots of fun! Thanks for the mention!

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  3. Now Marcia, think back. Sheepherders drink "rot gut" not wine! But mostly they don't herd just an hour a day from a lawn chair, either.

    Speaking of rotational grazing, some one just put a big batch of pairs in pastures under pivots on Washakie 10 road. It is fenced with electricity, I hope it works. Enough deer wrecks on the road already and cows are a LOT bigger than deer and a lot blacker, too.

    It will be fun peeking in at your life now and then.......Senior Blonde

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