Are grasses 10-15 cm tall and well anchored and is there good soil moisture?
• Once grasses are 1015 cm tall and under good growing conditions, a quick grazing will enhance tillering and root development. Graze heavily but quickly down to 2.5 cm then rest. • Always allow grasses to set seed in the first year. Hay cutting is never recommended in the first year. • Never graze newly sown pastures early under dry conditions or if grasses are poorly developed. • Avoid grazing aerial or surface sown pastures before they set seed. They are rarely well anchored and are easily pulled out. Stock moderately in the following growth season (e.g. autumn for temperate species, spring for sub tropicals). • Some pastures have specific grazing requirements (e.g. lucerne and chicory require rotational grazing for good persistence). • Recent research suggests perennial grasses will be more persistent when rested, especially under adverse conditions i.e. given some form of rotational grazing at least for part of the year. • The most efficient grazing system for any farm will genera
