The 2010 pasture season in review

摘要

As I write this column in mid-October, it is that time of the year when I like to reflect on the previous grazing season. On the North Shore of Nova Scotia we had a rather dry start to the season. I recall having a conversation with a fellow grazier who brought up the concept of critical rain dates, a term used in many drier regions to determine when to start planning for a drought. Fortunately our Maritime climate came through for us with adequate rain to keep the pastures growing well for most of the growing season. Heading into November I'm looking at 10 to 12 weeks of grass for both my sheep flock and my cow herd, as well as having grazed about 170 head of my custom-pastured cattle for four weeks longer than my two previous grazing seasons. Addto that weight gains looking much better this year than I've had in several grazing seasons, increased numbers of chickens and turkeys on pasture, and the grazing season looks successful. I attribute part of this to the regular rainfalls we had this season, and part to some changes I have been making in grazing management.