Grazing Management Systems for the Shortgrass Prairie

The connection between integrated pest management and grazing systems may not be readily apparent, but grazing management systems affect pest management in several ways. Rotationally deferred grazing systems provide deferment for each pasture on a rotating basis. Increased knowledge of reproduction of perennial range plants in the shortgrass prairie indicates that reproduction from seed is of little importance. High-intensity low-frequency grazing systems concentrate the grazing animals on a small portion of the total area for a short period, and then provide a long period of rest before grazing the area again. Stocking rate or grazing pressure is the dominant factor determining animal performance on any grazing system. Even with optimal stocking rate, ratio of improved pasture to range, and management, returns from grazing systems are small. Only the most inexpensive pest management systems are feasible on range-based production systems, and it must be shown that these are cost-effective.