Forage Utilization

Rotational Grazing Demonstrations with Beef Cows on CRP Land in Adams County, 2001

Authors: Chris Nelson (Iowa State University) , Rick Sprague (National Resources Conservation Service) , Russell BreDahl (Iowa State University) , Brian Peterson (National Resources Conservation Service) , Bill Bartenhagen (Farm Service Agency) , John Klein (National Resources Conservation Service)

Abstract

Two rotational-grazing systems, a 13-paddock and a 4-paddock, have been demonstrated on CRP land near Corning, Iowa since 1991 and this report summarizes the 2001 production data. Establishment of this project was to show economically feasible grass alternatives to row crops and CRP for steeply sloping (9% - 14% slope), highly-erodible land (HEL).

Stocking rates were 1.57 and 1.72 acres per pair on the 13- and 4-paddock systems, respectively. In a 119 day grazing season calves gained 2.23 and 2.27 lbs/day for the 13- and 4-paddock systems, while cows gained 51.4 and 113.4 lbs, respectively.

While some system hay growth was utilized to stave off drought conditions, there was a net hay gain of 11 and 5.5 bales of hay for the 13- and 4-paddock systems, respectively

Keywords: ASL R1781

How to Cite: Nelson, C. , Sprague, R. , BreDahl, R. , Peterson, B. , Bartenhagen, B. & Klein, J. (2003) “Rotational Grazing Demonstrations with Beef Cows on CRP Land in Adams County, 2001”, Iowa State University Animal Industry Report. 1(1).