Title:

G98-NPS-17 Intensive Grazing Follow-Up Assistance

Sponsor:

Dallas Co SWCD/Intensive Grazing

Project Manager:

Jerry Duff
Route 3, Box 80
Buffalo, MO 65622
417-345-2312

Project Period:

6/1/1998 - 7/31/1999

319 Grant Funds:

$5,000

Project Description:

Intensive Grazing Follow-Up Assistance

Historically, many grassland farmers have depended on concentrates and stored haylage or silage to meet the nutritional needs of their animals. Cattle have also been allowed to graze pastures continuously. As a result, pastures can have inadequate ground cover with excess erosion and runoff. Limiting the time cattle spend at a centralized feeding station or in a particular pasture cell with development of a grazing distribution plan will decentralize manure production, eliminate overgrazing and promote adequate ground cover. Establishment of grazing systems results in a more uniform distribution of animal waste directly on the pastures rather than deposition of large quantities in one location.

Unmanaged access of livestock to streams and waterways as well as the woodlands is also a concern. Riparian corridors are negatively effected by the livestock's unrestricted access to the stream and stream bank. Direct access contributes nutrients and sediment to the stream with little chance of filtering by either the soil or plants.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

More assistance is needed by landowners adopting intensive grazing practices than the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation Districts or University Extension can provide. The minigrant funds will support a grassland assistant, who will provide the needed landowner follow-up assistance regarding intensive grazing practices, alternative watering systems and fencing practices in Dallas and Polk counties.

OBJECTIVES

A concerted effort will be made in the follow-up assistance to encourage the adoption of best management practices in the protection of the stream and wooded corridor as well as the woodland areas. Landowners will be advised about environmental effects; how to move cattle through paddocks because of grass growth, weather and number of cattle; where to install fences and water sources; and more.


PRODUCTS

"On-Farm-Visit Worksheets" will be completed for each of the estimated 90 farm visits and each worksheet will contain practices discussed during the visit.

COOPERATING AGENCIES

Dallas and Polk County Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Environmental Protection Agency Region VII, Missouri Department of Natural Resources

CONTACT

Dallas County Soil and Water Conservation District
Route 3, Box 80
Buffalo, MO 65622
Jerry Duff 417-345-2312