By Blake Jackson
Compared to other agricultural sectors, cattle graziers rely more on solar energy and less on fossil fuels to convert natural resources like grass into profitable products, according to University of Missouri Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg.
By letting cows selectively harvest their own feed, graziers can lower costs and meet nutritional requirements efficiently.
“The job of a grazier, often referred to as a solar panel manager, is to maintain plenty of grass blades (solar panels) to convert the sun’s energy through photosynthesis into carbohydrates for livestock to graze,” says Schnakenberg.
Schnakenberg adds that graziers work to minimize ineffective “solar panels” like bare ground, overgrazed areas, mature plants, and weeds.
Management-intensive grazing (MiG) systems allow producers to create rotational grazing plans with longer recovery times for pastures. These rest periods help improve forage quantity and quality, enhance persistence, and reduce weeds.
Research shows that using at least eight paddocks gives graziers better control, though many implement more and rely on temporary fencing to fine-tune grass use.
Maintaining appropriate stubble height to support regrowth and root health. “Control stubble height, keep growing points, provide for photosynthesis and keep roots growing during grazing periods,” Schnakenberg said.
In early spring, fast-moving cattle rotations help manage rapid grass growth, while slower movement is ideal as growth slows later in the season. For cool-season grasses, he recommends a residual height of 4-5 inches.
“Overgrazing to the ground can set pastures back at least two weeks!” Schnakenberg warns. Short grazing reduces plant rebound, weakens root systems, and allows weeds to thrive. In Southwest Missouri, overgrazing and drought are contributing to the spread of less productive Kentucky bluegrass.
Tall fescue remains Missouri’s main forage crop, but poor management and drought reduce its effectiveness. To adapt, producers are introducing warm-season forages in specific paddocks, though these species often require higher grazing residuals.
“The grazier should be the manager, not the cows,” says Schnakenberg. With nearly 22,000 producers trained through Missouri Grazing Schools, many are learning to rely more on grass and less on costly inputs.
Visit the Missouri Forage and Grassland Council website for 2025 school dates.
Photo Credit: istock-shansekala
Categories: Missouri, Energy, Livestock, Dairy Cattle