Notes From Nelson

Range Forage is one of the most important resources in the production of red meat. If we are going to economically and yet profitably produce red meat then it is essential that we properly manage our range forages.

If we are to manage a resource, it is imperative that we have at least basic knowledge of that resource. In range management that means we need to know about plants and how they respond to being grazed. Good range management starts early in the season when plants begin spring growth. We need to base our grazing management on how the various range plants respond to grazing pressure at their various growth stages.

We need to realize that the grazing of plants by animals upsets normal plant functions. A plant's survival depends on its ability to synthesize and store food, form vegetative structures for top growth, maintain a healthy root system, and produce reproductive structures. If too much interference of these plant needs is allowed, the overall health and condition of a range plant community will deteriorate.

Range forage production is greatly affected by the stage of growth at which it is grazed. If grazing occurs in the early stages of growth, with adequate moisture available, a healthy plant can quickly replenish lost foliage and there is little disruption of plant functions. If, on the other hand, grazing is allowed to the same degree of use at mid-season, disruption of plant functions becomes more critical. Obviously, if soil moisture is lacking, grazing can drastically affect plant functions, which can lead to decreased production potential for years to come (we are presently seeing this due to drier than normal conditions in recent years). Grazing plants after they have completed their food storage cycle has the least effect on plant function.

Removal of too much plant material at any one grazing event greatly affects a plant's ability to photosynthesize. This decreases the plant's ability to produce and store food. This obviously leads to a decline in plant production in the future. Over-grazing is also detrimental to the grazing animal. The closer animals graze range plants, the poorer the quality of forage consumed, less animal production will be noted as well.

Livestock producers should not be so concerned with the livestock that they overlook the range resource. Likewise, range managers should not confine their attention to the range and ignore the needs of the livestock. A balance must be reached. It is possible to harvest and use rangelands without jeopardizing their future productivity.