INTRODUCTION

A well-managed pasture is one of the most cost effective feeds that can be produced and utilized in New York State. When properly managed, it is also higher in feeding value than any other forage crop. Unfortunately, due to a general lack of understanding of the ecological factors pertaining to soil-plant-animal interactions and subsequent widespread mismanagement, the yield, quality, and efficiency of harvest obtained from most pastures is far below potential.

With all crops, there are certain planning and management considerations that must be adhered to or applied to ensure not only their establishment and long term persistence, but to also promote high yield, high quality, and efficient utilization. Pasture is no exception. In fact, pasture requires a very sophisticated level of management because it involves the integration of a forage production system, a livestock production system, and a forage utilization system at the same time and in the same space.

Moreover, unlike other livestock feeds which have the luxury of growing unimpeded by the impacts of livestock, pasture herbage is produced with livestock present, and through direct harvest (grazing) subjected to the combined impacts of recurrent defoliation, trampling, and fouling with manure and urine. Collectively, these influences, when modified by stocking rate and level of grazing management, allow the grazing animal to exert primary control over what can or cannot survive in any given pasture.

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