Grazing Cattle on Sub-irrigated Meadows

Abstract

Until recently it was thought that sub-irrigated meadow sites should not be grazed by livestock during the growing season but reserved for hay production. Only the very early spring growth or aftermath was grazed. Grazing cattle on sandhill meadows is a sound practice under proper management. The increased cost of making hay and the inflated values of land in the Sandhills suggest that ranchers should take a look at alternative land uses when planning their grazing-forage program.