Title:

G97-NPS-01 Area Wide Grazing School

Sponsor:

Laclede Co. SWCD

Project Manager:

Project Period:

9/1/1996 - 8/31/1997

319 Grant Funds:

$0

Project Description:

Grazing School-Laclede Co.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Proper management of pasture lands is given limited attention. Historically, many grassland farmers have depended on concentrates and stored haylage/silage to meet the nutritional needs of animals. Cattle are allowed to continuously graze pastures. As a result, pastures can have inadequate ground cover with excess erosion and runoff. Limiting the time cattle spend at feeding facilities in conjunction with the development of a grazing distribution plan would decentralize manure production, eliminate overgrazing, encourage adequate ground cover in the pastures. A grazing system will provide an alternative method of distribution for the manure produced. Grazing systems result in a more uniform distribution of animal waste directly on the pastures rather than deposition of large quantities in a centralized area. Unlimited access of livestock to streams and waterways as well as the woodlands, is also a concern. Direct access contributes nutrients and sediments to the stream with little chance of filtering, either by soil or plants. Riparian areas are negatively effected by the unrestricted access to the stream and wooded corridor. A concerted effort will be made in follow-up and at the school to encouraging the adoption of best management practices in the protection of the stream and wooded corridor as well as the woodland areas.

OBJECTIVES

A $5,000 minigrant to the Laclede County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to support an area wide two day intensive grazing course on pasture management. The grazing course will demonstrate proper management of the soil, plant and water resources and provide a better understanding of proper grazing techniques to better manage livestock manure; improve forage quality; and reduce erosion pasture land, timberland and stream corridors

PRODUCTS

Monthly articles will be published that highlight successes from the grazing school, as well as, appropriate topics associated with water quality issues of the Ozark area.

PROJECT SPONSOR

Laclede County Soil and Water Conservation District

COOPERATING AGENCIES

NRCS
SWCD

CONTACT

Laclede County SWCD
P.O. Box 1015
2011 South Jefferson
Lebanon, MO 65536-1015
Joyce Johnson 417-532-6305