Boost Cattle Gains with Spring Grazing

By Blake Jackson

The rapid growth of cool-season grasses in spring, known as the spring flush, provides an opportunity for livestock farmers to enhance pasture productivity and cattle nutrition. Managing this flush effectively ensures high-quality forage throughout the grazing season.

One of the best strategies to manage spring flush is management-intensive grazing (MIG). This system involves rotating cattle through smaller paddocks, allowing each section to recover before being grazed again. MIG prevents overgrazing, supports uniform forage consumption, and promotes soil health through balanced manure distribution.

Grazing at the right time is crucial, as cool-season grasses like tall fescue mature quickly. If not grazed early, they become coarse and less nutritious. By grazing before pastures appear fully ready, farmers can keep the grass in a high-quality, vegetative state. Starting early also prevents overgrown paddocks later in the season.

Spring forage growth often exceeds the nutritional needs of a cow-calf herd. To fully utilize this surplus, farmers can add stocker cattle—young, growing animals—to temporarily increase stocking rates. This approach helps manage excessive forage while boosting farm profitability.

Research has shown that stocker cattle grazing on spring pastures can achieve weight gains of 1.5 pounds per day in April, May, and June. However, grazing should be adjusted in hotter months, as weight gain typically declines by mid-summer.

By integrating MIG with stocker cattle, farmers can optimize forage use, prevent pasture overgrowth, and maintain high-quality grazing land. Flexible stocking rates allow adjustments based on pasture conditions, leading to healthier cattle and improved sustainability.

Effective spring flush management benefits both livestock and pasture health. By combining rotational grazing with adaptable stocking strategies, farmers can maximize productivity, enhance cattle nutrition, and ensure a more efficient grazing system throughout the season.

Photo Credit: university-of-missouri