Economic benefits

Rotational grazing has been shown to boost profits in various types of livestock systems, including beef, sheep and dairy. In Wisconsin, for example, graziers averaged about $200 more per cow net farm income than confinement dairy farms (according to the University of Wisconsin Center for Dairy Profitability). During the same period, graziers averaged more than $1.50 higher net farm income per hundredweight equivalent of milk sold than that achieved in confinement dairies.

Time savings

Farmers may be concerned about the time it will take to move and manage livestock in rotational grazing systems. In correctly designed systems, however, the time to move livestock may be as little as 15 minutes per day. In contrast, feeding hay and silage in a confinement system may take much longer. Since switching to grazing will reduce the need for hay, farmers that have been making their own hay will see a reduction in time spent on that activity. Lastly, in rotational grazing systems there is less time involved in hauling and disposing of manure because most manure is dropped by the cattle on the pasture.

Environmental benefits

A well-managed rotational grazing system provides a number of environmental benefits: it decreases soil erosion, requires no (or minimal) pesticides and fertilizers, and significantly reduces waste management concerns related to barnyard runoff.

Wildlife advantages

The rested paddocks in a rotational grazing system provide undisturbed nesting habitat for many species of birds including sandpipers, bobolinks, and meadowlarks. If warm-season grass paddocks aren’t grazed until later in the summer, they can provide excellent habitat and food for game birds such as pheasants, quail, and wild turkeys.

Increased pasture productivity

In properly managed rotational grazing systems, pasture productivity is improved over the long-term. Establishment of desirable plant species leads to higher quality pasture, and manure distribution across the paddocks increases soil fertility. Studies have shown that rotational grazing can increase the amount of forage harvested per acre over continuous grazing by as much as 2 tons dry matter per acre.

Animal health and welfare

Livestock in rotational grazing systems tend to be healthier than those in confinement operations. Movement and exercise of the livestock enhances overall physical fitness and reduces injuries and abrasions. Also, rotational grazing systems provide managers with the opportunity to observe their animals on a regular basis and note any health problems that might arise.