Integrating Grazing into Cropping Systems
Interest in managed grazing has increased in the last several decades. Advancements in fencing technology, water systems, forage crops, management knowledge, and a goal of increasing grazing management efficiency have all played a role in moving the concept of managed grazing to fruition.
Also, over the course of the last few decades, there has been increasing interest in integrating cover crops into field crop systems. Originally seen only as a means of conserving soil, cover crops have become recognized as the key to improving soil health and productivity. Science has begun to unlock the secrets of healthy soil and cover crops are now known to improve soil health in ways that go well beyond simply conserving soil.
Farmers and researchers have developed innovative ways to integrate cover crops into cropping systems. More is now known about the effects of various cover crop species on soil health. Strategies have been developed with altered crop rotations and specific mixtures of cover crop species to attain certain ecosystem services.
In more recent years there has been a steady increase in interest in integrating livestock grazing into cropping systems. Some of this interest has been driven by economics, with livestock owners trying to increase grazing acreage on a limited land base. But much of the interest in integrating grazing into cropping systems has been to try to capitalize on the benefits that grazing can bring to soil health and the overall success of the cropping program.
In some cases, the livestock owner and the crop farmer will be the same person. In other cases, a livestock owner and a crop farmer will work together for mutual benefit by integrating the livestock and crop enterprises.
The benefits of integrating livestock grazing into cropping systems are becoming clearer. However, there are many challenges that need to be addressed to increase the chance of success with both enterprises. Planning needs to take place well ahead of the time when producers first introduce livestock to graze a cover crop within a crop rotation.
Some Things to Think About
Crops and crop rotations
Will I need to change my current crop rotation to accommodate grazing? What crops will be grazed and when?
Soil
What soil health benefits do I hope to attain? What are the potential soil-related pitfalls, such as compaction, and how can I avoid or mitigate them?
Infrastructure
What fencing and watering systems will I need to effectively graze livestock in the cropping system? How will I provide shade during summer and how will I handle livestock for periodic veterinary work or loading out?
Animal
What are the nutritional needs of my livestock and how do they fluctuate throughout the year? Will my grazing program be sufficient to supply this demand?
Business and Economics
Will the investment in time, fencing, and watering system be worthwhile?  If the enterprise involves more than one party, how will we address the business aspects?
Resources and Research
Have there been research studies that may be useful to me? Are there cost-share programs or other types of resources that could help this enterprise get started?
Farmer Experience
Are there other farmers who I could talk to about their experiences with integrating livestock grazing into cropping? What expertise is available through businesses or government agencies?
These consideration questions are not meant to be scare tactics, but instead are designed to help you think through various pieces of the puzzle. Integrating grazing into cropping systems is complex with many different aspects in play. Getting a better understanding of where you are going, by addressing these questions, will help to ensure your success and allow you to realize the benefits.
