Source: Blanton, Todd. 2000. Operating a grass fed dairy. Small Farmers J. 24(3):33-34.

Operating a grass-fed dairy is a sustainable approach to managing a dairy operation. It utilizes the renewable resources of grass and legume forages, allowing cows to harvest most of their own feed without using harvesting machinery or complicated storage techniques. Grass-based dairy farmers need to be very flexible with their management because environmental constraints vary from year to year. To organize a grass-based dairy, the farmer needs to be innovative and form a farm-specific plan. Management options a farmer must consider when beginning a grass-based dairy include the following: (1) time of calving, (2) type of forages they will be using, (3) lane construction and paddock layout, (4) cow health/cow comfort, (5) balancing fed rations, (6) pasture management, and (7) and kind of milking facilities. It is essential to learn as much about this type of plan as possible before a new farmer begins using a grass-based management system. This knowledge may include acquiring information from extension agents and private feed ration consultants. This information will help a new farmer expand their knowledge in order to manage their dairy business in a profitable and efficient way. It is also suggested that a new farmer monitor cows closely for all health concerns. Mastitis and milk fever can easily be undetected or misdiagnosed by a novice farmer and can be detrimental to a dairy. Grass-based dairy farming is a unique way to manage a dairy herd. The farmer must be very particular about the type of forages found in the pastures so that the cows can have a balanced diet and gain as many nutrients from the pasture as possible. With experience, grass-based dairy farmers can learn the proper mix of grass and legumes to have in their pastures and what varieties thrive best on their farm. The farmer also needs to be concerned about grazing each paddock for the proper amount of time so as not to under graze or over graze the pastures. This too will become easier with more experience. The author concludes that grass-based dairy farmers must have site-specific plans for grazing, be attentive to their cow's nutrition and health, and be very flexible to compensate for unexpected circumstances.

Abstract author: Sarah J. Bulson, 21 October 2000.

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