Rotational Grazing Round Table
On June 29, 2024, Independence County Conservation District, in partnership with the NRCS, the Soil and Water Society, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, the Arkansas Grazing Coalition, Harris Farm and Feed Store, and Hirsch Feed, a successful producer-led meeting dedicated to prescribed grazing. The first speaker of the evening was Jeremy Huff, the NRCS State Grassland Specialist, who illustrated the implementation of prescribed grazing on his farm in Arkansas. He highlighted the use of temporary water systems alongside temporary electric fencing to create flexible paddock configurations, thereby optimizing land use by establishing smaller paddocks as necessary. Jeremy also presented materials utilized for his temporary paddocks.
Following Jeremy, the first producer provided valuable insights on rotation strategies across various farms and elaborated on his water management practices involving creek systems, as well as his paddock layout. The next producer then discussed his farm layout and cattle rotation methods across different farms. He emphasized the role of temporary water and fencing in his system to build stockpiles for winter grazing, and he mentioned utilizing NRCS programs to help establish his grazing system.
The third producer shared his initial skepticism towards rotational grazing due to time management concerns. After consulting with a regenerative ranching specialist, he decided to experiment with it. He also reached out to Jonathan and others for insights on how they implemented rotation on their farms. He has since become an advocate for rotational grazing.
The final producer of the evening described her less intensive approach to grazing. She moves her cattle every seven days as her schedule permits, still ensuring adequate rotation for grass health and nutrient development in the soil. After addressing all questions, we conducted a drawing for two door prizes generously donated by Harris Farm and Home and Hirsch Feed and Farm Supply. The meeting was well attended, with 25 producers participating in the discussion.
