09/11/2026
🌾 Let's Talk Grazing
As we head into late summer and early fall, our cool‑season pastures are entering an important recovery phase. These grasses are busy storing energy in their roots to prepare for winter. That means the way we graze right now has a big impact on next year’s forage production.
Maintaining proper "stop‑grazing" heights helps protect plant crowns, boost root reserves, and support healthy, resilient pastures. The key is to measure the shortest forage left standing after livestock are moved.
📏 Recommended Stop‑Grazing Heights
• Cool‑season grasses & legumes: 4 inches
• Warm‑season native grasses: 6 inches
These residual heights improve:
• forage regrowth
• root development
• drought tolerance
• soil organic matter
• water infiltration and reduced runoff
Producers who maintain proper fall residuals often see dramatically better regrowth. Healthy soil builds healthy forage, and healthy forage supports healthy livestock. The choices we make today set the stage for next year’s productivity.
