What is bale grazing?

Simply put, bale grazing involves storing forage in late summer to early fall and then strategically placing bales throughout the pasture before the weather gets sloppy and cold. When you are ready to begin grazing your stock and replenishing your hay, you can strip the pasture where your round bales are placed. With temporary fencing, you can allocate an area containing several bales and allow livestock access to stored pasture and hay. After the hay is consumed, you move the animals forward to the next section of pasture.

This practice is often successful in reducing damage to pasture caused by hoof traffic from feeding and watering in the same location throughout the winter. It also allows nutrients to be dispersed from hay and livestock manure without having to collect, compost and spread the manure for another season. Since there is less mud and manure buildup when grazing on bales, animals that give birth to young when conditions are poor are likely to experience fewer complications than in concentrated and damaged slaughterhouses.

Putting the bales out on pasture when the weather is nice can save time and frustration later. The trek to the ranch should be safer and easier when you only need to bring yourself and a pocket knife to feed the livestock. The livestock will be happy to see you as they anticipate moving to a new pasture. It's easier to consider the health of each animal when their grazing space is allocated enough space to consume the bales you provide.