On–off grazing

On–off grazing gives livestock access to grass for short periods while reducing damage to saturated ground. Learn how to use this approach to reduce poaching and protect soils.

When managed well, on–off grazing can maintain grass intake, reduce poaching and protect the sward for future rotations.

It is particularly useful during wet autumns and springs, when soil conditions limit the time livestock can safely remain at grass.

The approach requires careful planning. You need to balance grazing time, grass availability, supplementary feeding, animal welfare and the condition of both the grazing field and the area where livestock are held.

• Extends the grazing season when full-time grazing is no longer practical
• Reduces the time livestock spend walking and standing on vulnerable soils
• Helps protect soil structure, sward density and subsequent grass growth
• Makes better use of available grass before moving to a fully housed system
• Allows grazing to be targeted at the driest fields and most suitable paddocks

• Requires suitable housing or a well-managed stand-off area
• Increases the labour involved in moving stock and managing grazing allocations
• May require additional feed to meet energy, protein and fibre requirements
• Can concentrate manure, urine and traffic damage in the holding area
• Is less effective when access routes, gateways or the stand-off area become muddy and damaged

There is no single time limit that suits every livestock group.

The length of each grazing session depends on grass availability, livestock class, production requirements, weather and ground conditions.

For dairy cows, a useful starting point is 2–4 hours of grazing after milking, potentially split between morning and afternoon sessions.

Cows can consume substantial quantities of grass during focused grazing periods, but actual intake depends on grass quality, allocation, appetite and the rest of the diet.

Some systems may require longer access periods to meet nutritional requirements.

For beef cattle and sheep, grazing duration should similarly be based on expected intake and the contribution of grass to the overall diet.

Don’t assume that a short grazing period will provide sufficient feed for every class of stock.

When planning grazing time:

• Turn animals out with an appetite, without compromising welfare or creating excessive hunger
• Allocate sufficient grass to meet the intended intake
• Observe grazing behaviour – cows beginning to lie down or wander may indicate that their immediate appetite has been satisfied, but this is not a reliable measure of total daily intake on its own
• Adjust supplementary feed to account for the amount and quality of grass consumed
• Monitor milk yield, liveweight gain, body condition and general behaviour to check that the system is meeting requirements

Time off pasture is not the same as time without feed.

Livestock must continue to receive a suitable diet throughout the day, with access to clean water and appropriate resting conditions.

If animals are housed between grazing sessions, ensure that the feeding and lying areas are adequate for the group.

Successful on–off grazing depends on being able to move animals quickly and safely.

Reliable access: use well-maintained tracks and gateways, with alternative entrances where possible.

Suitable holding facilities: housing or a stand-off area must provide sufficient space, drainage, safe footing and suitable resting conditions.

Water sources: ensure livestock have reliable access to clean drinking water.

Flexible fencing: temporary electric fencing can help allocate small grazing areas and prevent stock returning to grazed ground.

Convenient paddocks: fields close to the farmyard and buildings can reduce walking distances and the risk of damage along access routes.

A feed plan: ensure conserved forage or other suitable feed is available when grass intake is insufficient.

A stand-off area should not simply transfer the problem from the field to another part of the farm. Assess its drainage, surface condition, capacity and manure management before use.

Animal welfare must remain central to your grazing decisions.

Provide sufficient feed, water, shelter where required and appropriate lying or resting space. Take account of weather, wind chill, the condition of individual animals and the needs of vulnerable stock.

Avoid prolonged periods on muddy or slippery surfaces, check feet and legs for injury and monitor for signs of lameness, illness, stress or competition around feed and water.

When bringing cattle indoors, maintain suitable ventilation, bedding and hygiene.

Where grazing access is restricted, the whole diet must be reviewed.

Dairy cows, growing cattle, pregnant animals and ewes at different stages of pregnancy have different nutritional requirements.

Remove livestock from a paddock when hoof damage begins to increase, the soil surface becomes unstable or further rainfall is likely to make conditions worse.

Do not wait until substantial poaching is visible.

If the ground is saturated, moving stock to a suitable alternative area or housing them may be the best option.

On–off grazing is a way to manage risk, not a reason to continue grazing land that cannot withstand livestock pressure.