Rotational grazing often means more fences, but it also results in more grass and reduced lameness, according to brothers Tom and James Stobart, who are looking to finish their lambs cheaper off grass at Croglin High Hall, Armathwaite.
Speaking at an open day on the farm, organised by the Moredun and the Farmers Network, which attracted just shy of 80 farmers, vets and industry specialists, the brothers pointed out the benefits of rotational grazing.
“A rotational grazing system has been set up to promote best use of grass as grass is ultimately the cheapest form of feeding for lambs and key to the efficiency of lamb and beef production here,” said James.
Their overall aim is to keep liveweight gain as high as possible while reducing costs associated with feed and fertiliser. Notably, figures prove this is being achieved with a tightly monitored rotational grazing system. 
The event also featured practical workshops including the production limiting subject of sheep lameness. 
Local vet, Brian Mundell, highlighted the common causes of lameness including CODD, footrot and scald and the effective treatments and strategies that could be implemented to control them. 
He also pointed out that lameness had been dramatically reduced on the farm by close attention to foot health and rigorous culling. Initially, fairly large numbers of sheep were culled, but gradually these numbers were reduced, with the result that the brothers seldom see lameness and those that are, are treated as soon as possible.  
Interestingly, Mr Mundell concluded that another benefit of rotational grazing paddocks, is the fact that sheep are moved every few days and lame individuals are treated quicker and before infection spreads though the group.
Costs have also been reduced by achieving effective and sustainable worm control. 
Instead of blanket worming which can increase the risk of anthelmintic resistance, Moredun’s Dr Fiona Kenyon, said an alternative approach is through EID and the use of a combi-clamp, weigh head and stick reader. 
This, she said, enables lambs to be weighed on a regular basis to establish liveweight gains, with only those not hitting the target weights therefore in need of a worm dose. This in turn, has been shown to reduce anthelmintic usage without compromising liveweight gains.
Both workshops involved practical demonstrations and provoked discussions. It was concluded again that measuring where you are before you supplement is critical for optimum growth, performance and economics.