Profitable ranching depends upon the management of land, livestock, financial and human resources. To be economically and ecologically successful, ranchers must adapt to their environment and develop a well-balanced, year-round forage plan that satisfies livestock nutrient requirements and at the same time sustains forage resources. Forage resources include hayland, rangeland, crop aftermath and seeded pastures. Seeded pastures can supply nutritious forage at times during the year when other sources are inadequate or unavailable. This requires integrating seeded pastures into the total ranch operation. To ensure a satisfactory return for each dollar invested, seeded species must be adapted to the site’s soil, hydrology and climate, fit a rancher’s needs and be properly established and managed. Local experience, observations and research should be considered when planting and managing dryland pastures. A four-step process maximizes the effectiveness of dryland pasture seedings: 1) determine seeding objectives, 2) select the appropriate species and cultivar(s) for the site and the objectives, 3) use proper site preparation and seeding techniques, and 4) implement careful grazing management.(source introduction)
Articles, citations, reports, websites, and multimedia resources focused on rangeland ecology, management, restoration, and other issues on American rangelands.