Insights for Better Grazing Management

By Scout Nelson

Forage decisions are an important part of pasture planning, and partial budgeting is a helpful tool for comparing options such as replanting, rotating, or renovating a pasture. Partial budgeting focuses only on the costs and returns that change when a manager makes a new decision. This makes it useful when evaluating forage improvements where both expenses and potential returns may shift.

A simple partial budget includes four parts. Added costs may include seed, fertilizer, herbicide, or custom work needed to improve or establish a stand. Reduced income may occur temporarily when grazing or hay production decreases during transition or establishment.

Added returns include increased forage yield, better quality, or improved carrying capacity over time. Reduced costs may come from savings such as lower weed pressure, longer stand life, or fewer feed purchases.

By estimating each factor, managers can determine whether the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term expenses. Renovating older pastures, for example, may require upfront investment and a short pause in grazing, but better productivity later can help reduce feed costs and strengthen long-term performance.

Tools such as partial budgeting worksheets, enterprise budgets, and the Ag Budget Calculator on UNL CAP can help compare different scenarios and support stronger financial decisions.

Another important topic for winter grazing is the use of Bt corn residue. Corn residue provides valuable grazing material, but some believe that performance has changed with the adoption of Bt hybrids. Bt corn protects plants from pests like corn borer, leading some to wonder whether this trait affects residue quality.

Research from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln between 2001 and 2011 showed no difference in digestibility or calf gains when comparing Bt and non-Bt residue. Studies from Iowa State and additional UNL research with dairy cattle found similar results.

Other factors may explain why some animals seem to perform differently. Larger modern animals require more feed, and if stocking rates are unchanged, animals may not receive enough nutrition. Less grain in fields due to improved pest protection and harvesting efficiency may also reduce available energy. Higher grain yields may reduce leaf and husk quality, which are key components of the diet.

While Bt traits themselves do not reduce residue quality, careful grazing management remains essential to ensure animals receive enough nutrition in high-yielding fields.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fertnig-e