The Art and Science of Grazing: How Grass Farmers Can Create Sustainable Systems for Healthy Animals and Farm Ecosystems

by Sarah Flack, Hubert Karreman (Foreword)

Grazing management might seem just put livestock in a pasture and let them eat their fill. However, as Sarah Flack explains in The Art and Science of Grazing , the pasture/livestock relationship is incredibly complex. If a farmer doesn’t pay close attention to how the animals are grazing, the resulting poorly managed grazing system can be harmful to the health of the livestock, pasture plants, and soils. Well-managed pastures can instead create healthier animals, a diverse and resilient pasture ecosystem, and other benefits. Flack delves deeply below the surface of “let the cows eat grass,” demonstrating that grazing management is a sophisticated science that requires mastery of plant and animal physiology, animal behavior, and ecology. She also shows readers that applying grazing management science on a working farm is an art form that calls on grass farmers to be careful observers, excellent planners and record-keepers, skillful interpreters of their observations, and creative troubleshooters. 

The Art and Science of Grazing will allow farmers to gain a solid understanding of the key principles of grazing management so they can both design and manage successful grazing systems. The book’s unique approach presents information first from the perspective of pasture plants, and then from the livestock perspective―helping farmers understand both plant and animal needs before setting up a grazing system.

This book is an essential guide for ruminant farmers who want to be able to create grazing systems that meet the needs of their livestock, pasture plants, soils, and the larger ecosystem. The book discusses all the practical details that are critical for sustained how to set up a new system or improve existing systems; acreage calculations; paddock layout; fence and drinking water access; lanes and other grazing infrastructure; managing livestock movement and flow; soil fertility; seeding and reseeding pastures; and more. The author includes descriptions of real grazing systems working well on dairy, beef, goat, and sheep farms in different regions of North America. The book covers pasture requirements specific to organic farming, but will be of use to both organic and non-organic farms.

Genres: Nonfiction, Agriculture, Science, Conservation

240 pages, Paperback

Published June 7, 2016

Reviews

[Mrs Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art and Science of Grazing is an amazing resource for information on grazing your livestock. Sarah has shared knowledge on sustainably grazing sheep, cows, and goats. When you read the book you began to realize just how much work a farmer has. Even if you only have two dairy aninals you'll soon learn that the amount of work put into sustainable agriculture is not on the little side. The benefits of such hard work pays off in the end. Your pasture will flourish, your livestock will be healthier making you healthier, the ecosystem will praise you, and your pocket will thank you. Good grazing cuts down on the cost of feed meaning your livestock will be able to forage for more of their food. Whereas in a system that doesn't encourage good grazing practices your livestock won't be able to forage as much which in turn will cost you more money in purchasing supplemental feed. Sarah devotes a page to discussing supplemental feed in Part Three Chapter Seven of her book. She also provides a worksheet in Appendix A to furthur aid the reader in this area.

Sarah goes into the details of which plants are best for grazing animals, how far down they should be allowed to graze the plant, andan idea of how long you should allow them to regrow before allowing your livestock to graze in that area again. A good grazing system is very involved. You will definitely know every inch of your pasture. You'll also learn about internal parasites, best kind of fences to use, ideas for water storage within the grazing grounds, and a lot more on plants from photosynthesis to which kind of plants are posinious and toxic. You'll read stories from other farms/farmers that have implanted good grazing systems with great sucess. That doesn't even cover all that you'll learn while reading Sarah's book. It is a goldmine! Trust me, after reading The Art and Science of Grazing you'll be able to spot issues with pastures you spot while driving down the road. A quick note, this book's applications are only good for mesic (humid) regions not dryland or brittle ecosystem grazing.

It's a thoroughly detailed book! Extremely scientific, that's for sure! In a way it's a bit repetitive but that repetition just helps the facts stick. I would recommend this to students in agriculture classes, farmers in the making, and even homesteaders. There is a lot to be learned and Sarah has provided that in an easy to read manner. While it is scientific it is not a hard read. The photography is simply stunning. The pictures really help you to see what Sarah is describing in words. There's also 5 appendixes with a field of information and helpful resources located in the back of the book! Sarah definitely went up and beyond the call of duty in regards to grazing!

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Lots of good information and how-to instructions. More of a reference book. A little overwhelming for a newbie/novice just for the amount of information included and recommended to consider. A little dry writing style.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent summary, beautiful pictures, good for a novice but plenty of information for the reader with more experience.