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Unit 2: Applying Ecological Principles

Rotational Grazing (Management Intensive Grazing)

A Missouri rancher moves cattle and sheep from one paddock to another. Intensive rotational grazing systems like this keep pastures more productive. (Charlie Rahm, USDA NRCS)

Rotational grazing (sometimes called management intensive grazing) is a key practice in meeting some of the pasture and range management goals outlined above. A profitable livestock operation can be built around animals harvesting their own feed. Such a system avoids harvesting feed mechanically, storing it, and transporting it to the animals. Instead, the livestock are moved to the forage during its peak production periods. Producers manage the pasture as an important crop in itself, and the animals provide a way to market it.

Rotational grazing is characterized by periodic movement of livestock to allow pastures time to rest before they are grazed again. Resting a grazed pasture allows plants to renew their energy reserves and develop a stronger root system, resulting in a healthier pasture system that can continue to be productive over the long term. To facilitate this process, a pasture is sub-divided into smaller units (paddocks), and livestock are moved from one paddock to another during the grazing period.