In a world where sustainable agricultural practices are increasingly important, deferred grazing is a valuable tool for livestock producers, according to a new report from AHDB.

It points out that careful management of grazing fields allows farmers to tap into the natural potential of pastures to reduce winter feed costs, enhance animal health, and promote ecological wellbeing.

Deferred grazing involves intentionally preserving some grazing land during the growing season.

Instead of allowing animals to graze freely, a designated area is cordoned off, allowing vegetation to mature and accumulate biomass in late August/early September. This allows a grass wedge to build up, and the untouched area becomes a reserve of high-quality forage to be utilised from mid-November.

This method taps into the natural growth cycle of the land, allowing plants to thrive, enhancing nutrient content, and providing an abundant source of winter feed.

As autumn grass growth rates can vary considerably, a flexible approach is needed in deciding how much land to set aside.

In some cases, there may be an impact on next season’s early grazing which should not be compromised. This should be taken into account when deciding which areas to use with any fields that are underperforming now, being able to be used, when an April reseed will correct compaction issues and enable stock to be kept out later.

AHDB points out that the quality of the grass is important with a good percentage of leaf and live material needed.

Reasonably dense swards are preferable to protect from weather damage and minimise soil damage, so longer-term leys or permanent pastures are suited.

Some producers who utilise deferred grazing divide the stock into small groups to minimise soil compaction. Because of this, it has similar labour requirements to housed cows.

It is advisable only to select animals in good body condition for this system – do not select old or thin cattle. The site and exposure to harsh weather should also be considered when maintenance energy requirements will be higher in wet and windy conditions.

Deferred grazing is a proactive approach that mitigates the need for forage or other concentrate purchases during the winter. By allowing forage to grow naturally, farmers can use their own land to provide essential nutrition, minimising reliance on external feed sources.

As plants mature, their nutrient composition changes. The forage from deferred grazing areas can have a higher nutritional value than overgrazed pastures. This means livestock can receive the required nutrients without costly supplementary feeds, contributing to healthier animals and lower feed expenses.

While the initial setup of deferred grazing areas requires planning and careful execution, the long-term benefits outweigh the effort. The savings on purchased feeds, reduced labour for harvesting and feeding, and improved animal health all contribute to a more cost-efficient operation.

Higher-quality forage from deferred grazing can help maintain optimal body conditions in livestock during the winter. This reduces the risk of weight loss and minimises the incidence of health issues, saving on veterinary expenses.