You can estimate forage production and calculate stocking rates in your native pastures using The Rangeland Analysis Platform tool https://rangelands.app/production-explorer/
Common forage types and minimum grazing height
Native-Tallgrass Prairie: 6-10 inches*
Native – Mixedgrass Prairie: 4-6 inches*
Fescue: 3-4 inches
Bermudagrass: 2-3 inches
*does not refer to recently burned pastures
Consistent overgrazing can effect.. Pasture Health by
- Reducing long-term forage production
- Increasing plant death during drought
- Allowing invasive species to spread
- Increasing soil erosion
Livestock Production by - Increasing toxic plant consumption
- Reducing stocker/calf weight gains
- Reducing cow conception rates
