Pasture Grazing Workshop educates about Soil and Water

Rainfall simulator shows water runoff results

A coalition of organizations came together in the Piedmont on April 22 in order to discuss conservation practices for livestock grazing pastures. The stated purpose to lower feed bills for livestock by increasing forage production drew a large crowd of landowners. Other helpful topics benefitting anyone with an interest in their soil quality and how to make their grass grown better came in to the picture as the discussion progressed, just like a free-grazing herd on the move.

            

2016 Pasture Field Day host

Most of the organizations involved are based in S.C. with the exception of the National Grazing Land Coalition, found on the Internet at www.GrazingLands.org, which sent a representative from Texas to the meeting. The Greenville County Soil and Water Conservation District hosted the meeting, in conjunction with the S.C. Forage and Grazing Lands Coalition. The S.C. Cattleman’s Foundation signed on to underwrite the barbecue lunch for everyone, since the workshop raises interest about this important process in the beef industry.

The most informative part of the workshop regarding soil health came in the form of a rainfall simulator test. A rotating shower nozzle set up over four test plots of soil released something close to a 3-inch rainfall, and a row of catch basins measured the amount of that water that ran off the land. If the water runs off, it does not benefit the grass growing there, or the livestock seeking nutrition. Keeping records of rainfall amounts and tracking vegetation production with a ruler are just two examples of the common practices that can help you find the keys to unlock optimal pasture land performance.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past blog entries on Agribusiness click on 2016 Flooding - Tree Farm Lobby Day - Clemson Extension - Thanksgiving Harvest - Tree Farm Changes - Benton's Peanuts - Fresh On The Menu