Back in the 1990s....... I milked 50 cows. Rotational grazed 60 acres..... Calved starting March 1st From May to July 15th..... the cows put in the bank money enough to cover " all " the cost for the remaining of the year 30,000 dollars. The remaining of the year.........was pure profit ! So.....why dont more dairy farmer graze ?????
What an interesting discussion. I particularly liked the point about that science was done or depleted soil and it changes when soil is regenerated. Changes ones view on things.
As a dairy farmer .......rotationally grazed for 45 years... 160 acres 50 head of cows........and no outside income. Its about working " primary " with manure load !!!!! 90% of the issue with dairy cows is manure load ! Grazing grass thats 3" to 6" inches tall........and keeping it vegetative is primary ! Mowing the pastures and baling that hay for dry cows is needed ! Fertilizing is an absolute ! Fertilizer 50-50-50 twice a year gets you yield and money in the bank ! However theres a reason you seldom see dairy farmers grazing ........because it requires high management !!!!! A milk cow will not eat over a manured area for up to two years afterwards ! My dairy operation was a success because of grazing ! Less equipment needed..... but good equipment needed.....proper equipment !
Watch videos by Dr. Christine Jones. She explains why a developed regenerational, multispecies pasture has nutrients that are more available than normal pastures, all the while not putting any costly synthetic ferti!izers on that will inhibit the microbial life that will feed the roots with the necessary nutrients. It is a totally different world than what we have been taught, and will rebuild the resiliency of our souls while providing a more nutrient dense plant to livestock and people, resulting in greater health to both.
Too many farmers are ruining the soil with expensive inputs that kill the soil when they follow the advice of extension agents or others trained by big ag influenced advisors. If the forages are lush with no chemical inputs, no herbicides, no pesticides; only manure and urine from the grazed herds or flocks to fertilize the soil. Dung beetles and worms and lots of other species flourishing is a sign of a healthy ecoosystem. Absence of beetles, worms, and many wild species demonstrates an unhealthy ecosystem.
