Appendix 2: Prescribed grazing management plan worksheet to be used with continuous stocking methods

Step 1. Estimate the Forage Demand:

The forage demand is the amount of forage dry matter (DM) required to feed the herd/flock for one day. It is based on the rule of thumb that grazing animals require an amount of forage dry matter equal to about 2.5% of their body weight per day. *Note* For lactating dairy cows use 3.0%.

__________________________ X .025 or .03 =_______________ X
Average animal weight (lbs) lbs DM/head/day
____________ = Total Forage Demand_____________
# of animals lbs/day

Step 2. Estimate the Forage Supply:

The amount of forage available for grazing with the continuous stocking method is based on the total hay yield in tons/acre/year minus 40% for losses due to trampling, fouling with manure and urine, and reduced growth. Unless actual measured yields are available, use estimated yields such as SCS Soils 5 data for grass-legume hay and use the following table to convert forage availability on a season long basis.

Forage Availability Estimates
Hay Yield
tons/acre/year 		5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0 3.5 3.0 2.5
Forage Availability
Pound/Acre/Year		 6600 6000 5400 4800 4200 3600 3000
Forage Supply_________________
lbs/acre/yr

Step 3. Determine the Grazing Period

In most part of New York, the average grazing period will be approximately 160 days. However, it may range between 150 and 215 days.

Grazing Period_______ days

Step 4. Calculate the Number of Acres Required:

The number of acres required for a continuous stocking graz ing management plan is based on having enough forage available to meet the season long forage requirement.

_____________ X _____________ = ____________
Forage Demand Grazing Period (days)


/ ________________ =

_________________________
Forage Supply Number of Acres Required


| Home | Grazing Management |