lets get started grazing
DESCRIPTION
This presentation was given at the 2014 Future Harvest Conference.TRANSCRIPT
White Hall Farm
53 Acres in Jefferson County, WV plus 20 Acres leased for 2014
100 head of Commercial Katahdin Ewes 30 head of Replacement Ewe lambs (2013) 30 head of Commercial Kiko Cross, Nubian, and Boer Does 10 head of Replacement Doelings (2013) 95 % Ram Lambs and Bucklings marketed for Eid al-Adha Ewe Lambs have been retained to grow the flock Goal is for the flock to produces lambs/kids that thrive on
forage
Everybody Has Pasture, Right?
In 2013 we lambed and kidded in Feb/March Purchased feed until we had grass growing Beginning in 2014, Lambing and Kidding will start April 1 Allows for pregnant ewes and does to graze small grains
last 30 days Lamb/Kid on pasture and remain on pasture Lambs and Kids will wean in July and graze Millet/Brassica
until market
Looks like we need the most forage in the summer…
Our Pastures consisted of …
Fesc
ueORCHARD GRASSPerennial W
eedsClover
Thistle
So, What Can We Do To Fill That Gap? Planted approx 12 acres in Millet/Brassica mix
Rented No-Till Drill of local Conservation District Grazed weaned lambs and kids---130 head July 15 until mid to late September 2013 For simplicity 90 days of grazing Sale price per pound $2.00, average weight 75 pounds=$19,500 The average daily labor for moving rotational fences=2 hours Very similar to the daily labor to feed the same amount of animals
Low Input vs. High Input
Grazing Forages Purchasing Feeds
What actually happened…
Cost
Tim
e
$$ R
etur
n0
4
8
12
16
20
GrazingFeed
Grazing Feeding
Total Cost $1,250 $6,812
Return $18,250 $12,700
Ewe Lambs and Doelings grazing Millet/Brassica
Manage for re-growth
Take Half….. ……Leave Half
Added Benefits of Rotational Grazing
Disperse Manure Across Field
Eliminate Concentrated Feeding Areas
Reduce Parasite Risks Continually Fresh Forage Value-Added Product
Tools of the Trade…Electric Net Fencing
Gallagher SmartFence Reel
Powering Your Electric Fence
Choose high quality charger that exceeds your needs Proper installation and maintenance
Grounding rods Connectors Cut-out switches Check it everyday
What Is Our Target?
Quality Lambs and Goats with correct finish
Finish Lambs and Goats for Eid al Adha
We needed a few lambs for local, traditional processing
Ewe Lambs and Doelings to continue growing for replacements
Ethnic/religious holidays impact prices.
7-J
an
21-J
an
4-F
eb
18-F
eb
4-M
ar
18-M
ar
1-A
pr
15-A
pr
29-A
pr
13-M
ay
27-M
ay
10-J
un
24-J
un
8-J
ul
22-J
ul
5-A
ug
19-A
ug
2-S
ep
16-S
ep
30-S
ep
14-O
ct
28-O
ct
11-N
ov
25-N
ov $100
$120
$140
$160
$180
$200
$220
$240
Price per cwt, ~70 lb. lambs, Prime and Choice, YG 2-3
New Holland, Pennsylvania
Western EasterMar 31
Festival of the SacrificeOct 15
RamadanJul 9- Aug
8
Orthodox Easter (May 5)
Quality (finish) affects prices.
$70
$90
$110
$130
$150
$170
$190
27-36 kg kids, $ per head (weighted average)New Holland, Pennsylvania USA
April 1 -November, 4, 2013
Price Driven By Quality…Finish…
Ready For Market Not Ready
Pit Falls of Grazing System
Forages not available when you need them Too Much or Too Little Forage Dependant on nature for rain Abandoning the System Mid-Season Poor Quality Market Lambs and Goats
PARASITES
Sometimes Things Don’t Always Look Good…
What Went Wrong..Here?
Planted Late
Mechanical Failure of the Drill
No Rain for 3 Weeks After Planting
Changes For Next Year….
Rent a Better Drill
Plant Earlier
And Here?
INTERNAL PARASITES Higher Diligence Work EVERY 2 WEEKS FAMACHA System Treat Only Those
Needing It Weight and Records
Use The FAMACHA System …
The Five Point Check
Handling Equipment We Use
Chute System include a scale, headgate and turntable
Predator Control is Very Important
Forages
Tall Fescue
PastureGrowth Trend
Orchard Grass
Where Can You Get Help?
Local Agricultural Extension Agent – Resource and Information
NRCS Field Technicians - Resource FSA Staff – Farm Maps Local Conservation District – Soil and Forage Tests Seed and Fertilizer Dealers – Product Information New Equipment Dealers – Rental Department – No-Till
Drills Grazing and Forage Conferences
How Can You Start Your Grazing Plan?
Look At Your Farm: Field Size, Shape, Layout Acquire Fence Energizer and Electric Nets Select a Paddock size that will give your
animals 2 days of grazing Be sure to move water and minerals with the
animals Don’t over graze before making the next move Lots of Trial And Error to determine your
division sizes
Grazing Has Benefited Us
Reducing Feed Costs
Improved Animal Health
Improved Our Use of Resources
Start Toward Creating Local Market
Our Experiences Have
Motivated Us To Expand
Our Grazing Plan
Take Home Points Grazing is not without risk – You are managing
Nature What works for one may not work for another It may not work the same year after year Stay Vigilant about Parasites Start small – Don’t overwhelm yourself Be Flexible and Adapt to adverse conditions Be a Mindful Steward of the Land
My Favorite Websites
Sheepandgoat.com Tennesseemeatgoats.com Premier1supplies.com Onpasture.com Ohiosheep.org