Just not sure. I'm seriously considering forgoing hay, which might amount to
only 15 bales and letting the cattle out on that field. Of course I may have
waited too long.
In planning paddocks despite what some I have said I'm trying to find a way
to incorporate shade into as many paddocks as I can. The water, however, in
the piped system will be in center of field where there is no shade. I'm
really concerned whether cattle will drink as much as needed without shade.
On the eastern side of fields are woodlands with decent shade along the
fences. So paddocks on that side would be OK. There's also a 2 acre island of
primarily sycamore, wild roses, scrub towards the upper end of the N field.
I'm thinking of setting up paddocks to allow access to this area where the
cattle like to loaf.
good
On the western side of the N field there is little shade during the heat of
the day except for the paddocks that will have access to the island.
On the S. field there is again some shade from the woodland and trees along
the fence line for all those paddocks, on the western side there is little
except for the paddock that contains a massive oak where the cattle like to
go.
I'd like to rotate the cattle each day. Most down here who do rotational seem
to favor 3 days. I'm told more animal pressure, and shorter rotations work
best. But the shorter the rotation the larger the number of paddocks needed.
If I were to divide the N. pasture into 10 paddocks with 5 on each side of
the centerline of ca 3 acres a piece how much grass/clover must each paddock
produce to feed 70 growing animal units. I could do the same for the S.
pasture.
Inside the gate there are 35 acres or so that I could divide up into perhaps
8 paddocks. Shape of fields, barn, cattle facilities, bull pen, ponds, trees
make this area tougher to break into paddocks. Perhaps actually a good deal
less total grass available on these 35 acres due to above/shade, tree covered
hillsides, etc. In addition soils are not as deep, or as well drained. And
much harder clay during dry periods. Better footing for cattle but growth is
not as lush. It is much improved over where it was though. And I'm continuing
to expand fringes by cutting down wild roses, etc., cattle are also opening
up trails, and some of wooded areas so that grass, etc., is beginning to grow
in understory.
Whew...sorry for being so long winded I'm trying to give you a lot of detail.
Really look forward to your reply, and to others on the list.
I'm trying to do the right thing:) Thanks again. Frank
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