Manure Management Other Considerations
Manure management is very important to the upkeep of your property, neighborhood,
Weeds
and the environment. Consider manure
Good pasture management in-
storage. If rained on, manure will leach
cludes getting rid of weeds
harmful nutrients into surface and
that come up despite proper
groundwater. When planning where to store
rotational use. The weeds can
manure try to place it away from:
be controlled manually or by spray, depending on the types.
Sacrifice Area During times that pastures are not in use, a sacrifice area is a great place to give your animals feed and exercise. These areas ideally will be mud-free and designed for all weather conditions.
Last updated March 30, 2015
Photos by Lisa Reiley
Ro t at i o n a l Grazing Management
• Sources of clean water • Low points on your land • Anywhere that during a heavy rain has a
sheet of water flowing across it Manure should be placed on an impermeable surface and kept dry or composted. For information on composting, or assistance with manure storage designs or financial programs, contact Polk SWCD.
580 Main Street, Suite A Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: 503-623-9680 www.polkswcd.org polk.swcd@polkswcd.com
Tips for successful grazing management
this time is harmful to the health and longevity of the pasture.
S um me r
Ma na gi ng Past ures
will depend on weather and time of
During the year, these manage-
year, usually at least 2-4 weeks.
ment practices will help keep your
•
when grass reaches 6-8” in
•
•
•
tion is part of your manage-
Grazing on soft ground for any length its strength and ability to grow.
Move livestock to the next field
ment plan.
•
grass is down to 3-4” in height.
Seasonal Notes
After moving the livestock har-
Wi nte r & S pr ing
row (drag) the field to spread
•
In the Spring plants
manure to reduce parasites,
take in many
and mow to a height of 4 inches
nutrients that in too
to keep the weeds down and
large of doses can be
promote healthy growth.
harmful to horses. •
•
In winter plants are
pasture to rest be-
dormant to save energy for spring
tween uses. The
growth and need to maintain a
period of time
substantial height. Overgrazing at
If a pasture is irrigated
Never graze below 3 inches.
or to a sacrifice area when the
Always allow the
unless irriga-
of time causes plant damage, reducing
height. •
grazing
Oregon weather changes quickly. Be ting your livestock out to graze.
You can begin grazing livestock
Summer pastures can get too dry, so avoid
sure that the ground is hard before let-
pastures healthy and productive: •
•
make sure to let the ground harden before grazing.
Fal l •
Plants are working to reserve energy for the winter, so be extra careful not to overgraze.