Targeted Grazing 101

What is Targeted Grazing? In this video, we explain what Targeted Grazing is. You are going to learn about the five grazing management principles, when targeted grazing can be used, and the costs and benefits of that practice. Key Points in this video: Targeted grazing, also known as Prescription Grazing, is the application of livestock grazing or browsing to meet site objectives. Five grazing management principles pertain to the kind of animal, the number of animals, duration of use, timing or season of use, and animal distribution techniques. Why use targeted grazing? To reduce unwanted/noxious weeds, improve habitat for threatened or endangered species, to control fuel loads in risky situations (wildfire risk). What are the products of targeted grazing? The management of the plant communities is the primary product of targeted grazing. What are the products of livestock grazing? Cattle, sheep, goats manage the plant communities, but the livestock products- meat, milk, leather, manure, are the primary products. Three basic steps to consider: The species and breed of animal, time intensity and frequency of grazing, incorporation of prescription grazing into an ecologically based weed-management program. What's the difference between naïve cattle and adapted cattle? Looking for Integrated weed management (IWM)? A combination of treatments might provide a better solution than any one treatment alone.