On an intensively grazed property, livestock movement may be a cause of land degradation and poor pasture productivity.
Continual grazing pressure will diminish pasture quality and result in soil compaction. Giving paddocks a break from grazing pressure will allow them to recover.
Keeping all of the stock in a large paddock can be less production than rotationally grazing them on smaller areas. The reason being that livestock will move over the land seeking the better areas for grazing and shelter. As a consequence, this leads to the increased degradation of the more productive land while the less attractive areas of the paddock go ungrazed.
Restricting livestock to smaller areas for shorter times will utilise the fodder more efficiently, as the livestock have less time to trample the pasture they are grazing.
How does it affect you and your catchment?
Before fencing your property, seek expert advice on the type of fence that you will require and the manner by which it should be installed.
Management options
- Consider changes in land capability classes over the desire to have larger or rectangular shaped paddocks when fencing your property.
- Build a fence that will last and is of appropriate design for its intended purpose.
- Seek professional advice about the most suitable type of fencing for your needs.
NOTE:
Sourced from Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Board