Spring grazing: Timing and Strategy for Healthy Pastures
Is your pasture really ready for the herd? Spring grazing may seem as simple as "green means go," but it’s far more nuanced than that.
Kara Mastel welcomes David MacTaggart, Senior Agriculture Advisor with Strathcona County, to unpack the critical considerations for turning cattle out in spring.
From the risks of early grazing and nitrate concerns to rotational grazing strategies and environmental stewardship, David shares practical, science-backed insights for producers.
They also discuss how to tailor grazing plans to weather extremes like drought, assess forage nutritional quality, and balance herd health with land resilience.
This episode equips producers—new and seasoned alike—with the knowledge to make smart, sustainable spring grazing decisions.
Listen For:
03:24 — Why spring grazing matters
09:59 — Spring frost and nitrate concerns
14:06 — Why rotational grazing is especially important in spring
21:25 — Is bloat a worry with green pastures?
GUEST: David MacTaggart, Agriculture Initiatives Specialist
CONNECT WITH HOST: KARA MASTEL
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