Continuous learning is a core philosophy at Forage Farms. If we come across new information about how to manage our land and stock better, we delve deeper. After reading Johann Zietsman's book Man, Cattle and Veld, we decided to implement some of the practices of Total Grazing – an approach taught by Jim Elizondo. This method of pasture management aims to improve soil health, increase productivity and build soil carbon. It minimises overgrazing and emphasises non-selective grazing, so that the livestock eat everything available to them and don’t get to pick and choose. Unlike traditional rotational grazing, which often leads to selective grazing, Total Grazing encourages animals to consume a wider variety of plants, including those considered less desirable.
A fundamental aspect of this practice is having more animals and less space in a paddock, with faster rotations. This ensures the animals develop a mindset of getting in and eating, rather than waiting to find the best thing – not unlike enforcing strict dinner table rules for fussy children – ‘no dessert until you’ve eaten everything on your plate!’
THE KEY PILLARS
These pillars collectively aim to enhance the sustainability and profitability of farm operations by maximizing forage utilisation and improving soil health. Total Grazing focuses on non-selective grazing practices, ensuring cattle consume the entire plant. This approach not only increases grazing days and stocking rates but also promotes robust root systems and humus formation, leading to richer, more fertile soils.
As you can see in the image for this blog, where we can see a paddock dominated by Giant Rats Tail grass, a generally low palatable species, but with the right cattle, and stocking density you can see very high and even graze of the plant which opens up the opportunity for new species to try and outcompete it in the long-term.
Total grazing: Maximised forage utilisation and improved soil health
Adapted genetics: Select and breed livestock that is suited to local conditions
Precision nutrition: Optimise livestock performance
Optimal calving season: Align calving with forage availability
What are the benefits of total grazing?
This method means you can balance landscape health and animal performance. This is because after a hard graze the paddock is given an extended recovery time. A portion of your property can be left to rest for an entire growing season allowing plants to grow and reach maturity. Plants can grow out and build up maximum leaf for the animals to graze in the future. It also increases root depth and pumps more sugars into the ground so that your soil can be fed and improved. Additionally, it creates an environment on our farm for wildlife and insects to live in. This results in greater biomass and creates a secondary environment, in which birds and larger animals, such as bandicoots, can live.
Why genetics are important
In this environment it is important that your stock genetics are well adapted to your environment. For example, in our case it would not make sense to run hairy highland cattle who don’t do well in our hot and humid climate. Not all breeds can cope with non-selective, intense grazing so do your research. And ongoing selection of animals that can handle the conditions is crucial.
Aligning calving with forage availability
At Forage Farms we have noticed a pattern where our cattle seem to be choosing to calve in the lead-up to peak forage season on stockpiled feed, thanks to adapted genetics. This reduces the need for supplemental feeding, lowers operational costs and improves calf survival and growth rates.
Total Grazing is a holistic approach to farm management that can ensure long-term ecological and economic sustainability.
