Agriculture is a major industry in the Chesapeake Bay; consequently, increasing agricultural sustainability is a key component of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay’s mission. Since the Alliance’s founding in 1971, our work with farmers and rural landowners has expanded to include projects in every watershed state with teams based in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. In industry, the Alliance works to introduce relevant conservation practices that reduce pollution while making farmers’ jobs easier. All of this critical work is informed by the immense geographic, cultural, and historical diversity of the Chesapeake Watershed.

The Chesapeake Bay watershed stretches across six states, from central New York down to southern Virginia, covering nearly 44.5 million acres. Of that area, approximately one-third is used as farmland. While less applicable with poultry and row crops, pastures are a huge component of agriculture in the watershed. Runoff and erosion are often associated with cropland or heavy use areas in barnyards, but pastures can also contribute to this if over fertilized or not properly managed. From large-scale beef operations to hobbyist miniature horses, everyone grazing has an opportunity to not only sustain, but also to regenerate their pastureland.

 

Stocking Rate

The stocking rate is described as the number of animals within an entire grazing system, while stocking density is the number of animals within one pasture or section of a grazing system.

The goal of farmers is often to have as many animals as possible while still maintaining the forage base within a pasture. The rate at which this goal is achieved is called the carrying capacity of the system. Through holistic grazing and stockpiling methods, we can improve the carrying capacity of the land so that profits can still be made while maintaining the integrity of the forage base.

 

Rotational and Strip Grazing

cows graze in a fenced off section of pasture

Cattle making their way through a fresh paddock, with the recovering section on the left. Credit: Greg Brann

A rotational grazing system controls the timing and intensity of grazing, giving pastures time to rest and regrow. This can be done by using traditional or temporary fencing to break up large pastures into smaller areas, called paddocks. This style of management has many benefits including improved root structures, drought resistance, better water infiltration, and animal health. The frequent moving of livestock also results in a herd that is easier to manage. For example, when a stray steer gets out of the fence, the cattle that are used to being moved and trained by a temporary fence are much easier to coax back in.

When pasture grasses are grazed and then left to rest, it encourages them to grow deeper root systems. These roots improve soil structure and reduce soil compaction, allowing water to enter the topsoil instead of pooling or running off. A rest schedule also mitigates livestock eating away their favorite type of grass, which can allow less desirable forage to overtake the pasture.

 

Native Warm-season Grasses

cows graze on tall grasses

Cattle grazing native warm season grasses in Blackstone, VA. Credit VA Cooperative Extension

Native warm-season grasses like switchgrass, big and little bluestem, and eastern gammagrass were dominant species in the bay watershed prior to human settlement. These are tall, deep-rooted species that have excellent drought tolerance. Adding native grasses to a system can provide several benefits, the first being better summer production. The majority of pastureland in the watershed is made up of cool-season grasses like fescue and orchardgrass which are species that struggle in the summer months, so having warm-season grasses available allows the cool-season species to rest in the heat.

A field of tall gammagrass.

The second, and largest benefit of native grasses is animal health. Heat stress is a large factor in farming livestock, and with cattle in particular grazing tall fescue in the summer can cause significant issues. Fescue produces toxic alkaloids that tighten blood vessels and cut blood flow to the skin, which delays shedding and makes it harder for cows to sweat. The resulting effects include weight loss, lower fertility, less milk, and smaller calves. So, what’s the solution? There is no set answer as every farm is different, but adding 25-30% warm-season grasses to be used during the summer is often a worthwhile investment.

cows sit under the shade of large trees

Cattle taking advantage of some shade trees. Credit iStock

The Alliance works together with partner organizations to provide farmers with resources, cost-share or bonus programs, planning and implementation of pasture best management practices like the ones above. The best management of pastureland in the Chesapeake Bay watershed is not only vital to the protection of the bay and our conservation goals, but also to the longevity of our local farms and their ability to remain productive.

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