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This Level 1 record-keeping module is designed for producers new to forage and grasslands record-keeping, or those who already keep some records but aren’t sure what information is worth keeping or how to use it.
A key to a successful livestock operation is proper pasture use, whether native rangeland or tame forages. To manage the land effectively, producers need to understand how much forage dry matter a pasture can produce and how much forage is required by each animal and the herd over the grazing season.
With this knowledge, the producer can determine the appropriate combination of land, grazing period and number of animals to support the sustained, long-term productivity of the pasture. An optimum stocking rate makes efficient use of the forage without waste but still leaves enough forage to support pasture recovery.
manage livestock most suited to the forage supply and objectives
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How do you get started with range health record-keeping?
The following is a recommended list of information to get started in range health record-keeping:
Pasture ID/ Location and Paddock ID: Identify each pasture using a name, number or other identifier and record its location. Name or number paddocks within pastures. Use identifiers that everyone working on the operation will recognize.
Acres (or Hectares): Know the number of acres/hectares in the pasture and paddocks. One free tool you can use to do this is Google Earth. Click for step-by-step directions on how to use this platform to measure area.
Plant type: Learning to recognize range plants and their role in the ecosystem is key to good range management. Range plants can be grouped based on various characteristics including plant type, season of growth, origin, response to grazing and forage value.
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How do you assess rangeland health?
Range health describes how the ecosystem is currently functioning compared to the potential for the site. This method evaluates five indicators including: plant community, structure, litter, site stability and weeds. Range condition compares the current plant community to its potential or “reference” plant community (known as the climax plant community). The four classes of range condition (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) explain how the composition of the present plant community has changed from that of the climax community.
Evaluating range health improves upon the original range condition approach by adding indicators, particularly for soil and site conditions, which producers can observe and are easier to measure than plant community alone. Rangeland health assessment tools have been developed to measure how well management principles and practices are being achieved. These assessments better address problems like irreversible changes in range condition and invasion of non-native species.
Assessing rangeland health starts by examining the existing plant community for desirability, diversity and density. Grazing severity, soil erosion, litter residue (dead plant material), disturbance and invasive species/noxious weeds are also taken into account in determining range health.
A sample Grassland Range Health Assessment worksheet is on the BCRC’s rangeland and riparian health page illustrating the evaluation of range health indicators and the steps taken to arrive at a range health score (Healthy = 75-100%; Healthy with Problems = 50-74%; Unhealthy < 50%).
For additional information on evaluating range health by province:
Pasture is a critical resource in the cattle industry. An effective management plan requires clear understanding of forage production, realistic production goals, effective grazing strategies and timely response to forage availability and environmental changes. Visit the BCRC’s grazing management page to learn more about grazing management on pasture.
The Alberta Tame Pasture Scorecard is one tool available that can help you visually assess your tame pasture ranking (low, medium, high) using the following indicators: plant population, plant density, plant vigour, legumes present, weeds and bush present, ground cover, soil damage, nutrient cycling, severity and uniformity of use. Although this is an example from Alberta, the core components are applicable across Canada. Table 2 provides descriptions used in classifying tame pastures (Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor).
Table 2. Tame pasture class definitions
Excellent
Good
Fair
Poor
Potential yield of the area
75-100%
60-75%
50-60%
33-50%
Production from desirable, adapted grass and legumes
