Extensive And Intensive Pasture Management
Overview
Grass is the cheapest feed a livestock farmer has, but only if the pasture is well managed. Put too many animals on the land and the grass is eaten faster than it can regrow, the soil is laid bare, and the herd goes hungry. Manage the same land well, with the right number of animals, good grasses and legumes, fencing and rotation, and it can feed far more stock year after year.
In this lesson you will learn the difference between extensive and intensive grazing, and meet the key ideas of stocking rate and carrying capacity. You will see how improved pastures are established, what rotational grazing, paddocks and zero grazing mean, and why overstocking, bush encroachment and the careless use of fire damage grazing land. Above all you will learn how fencing and rotation let a farmer get more from the same field.
Objectives
- (a) describe the vegetation of grazing lands, including grasses and legumes for grazing and bush for browsing.
- (b) describe how improved pastures can be established.
- (c) explain what is meant by the terms rotational grazing, paddock and zero grazing, unenclosed and enclosed grazing systems and intensive and extensive grazing.
- (d) describe extensive management methods, including the importance of stocking rates, carrying capacity and the dangers of overstocking, bush control and the use and misuse of fire.
- (e) explain how pasture utilisation can be improved by fencing and rotational grazing.
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Extensive And Intensive Pasture Management. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- The carrying capacity of a pasture is best described as the: A. Total area of the pasture B. Maximum number of animals it can support without damage C. Number of paddocks it is divided into D. Weight of grass it grows in a day Answer: B
- A farmer keeps 40 sheep on 10 hectares. The stocking rate is: A. 2 sheep per hectare B. 4 sheep per hectare C. 10 sheep per hectare D. 400 sheep per hectare Answer: B
- Which of these is a feature of an extensive grazing system? A. Many animals on a small area B. High use of fertiliser C. Few animals spread over a large area D. Animals fed in pens Answer: C
- In a zero grazing system the animals are: A. Left to roam freely on open range B. Kept in pens and fed cut grass carried to them C. Moved between paddocks each day D. Grazed only at night Answer: B
- Rotational grazing increases carrying capacity mainly because: A. The animals eat less B. Each paddock is rested so the grass regrows C. Fences make the animals grow faster D. It removes the need for water Answer: B
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