Grazing in Michiana
In the first article I wrote about rotational grazing, I mentioned James Anderson's quote from 1777 summarizing the basics of the method. I will not requote that in its entirety, as it is rather lengthy. Anderson does illustrate a couple of points that are key to successfully carrying out a rotational grazing program. Important components of grazing include good quality forage, a carefully managed rotation schedule, fencing, water supply, and a well thought out logistical arrangement—getting from one place to another efficiently. In this article, I want to look at the use of rotation and especially of the "back wire."
First, from Anderson, "... if a farmer divided his land into 15 to 20 equal divisions." This makes a good point. Part of the key to successful rotational grazing is allowing grazing paddocks time for adequate regrowth. Average temperatures and precipitations (I would say "normal" but after the last 10 years, I'm not sure what "normal" temperature and precipitation is anymore for northern Indiana!) dictate that most forage crops in this area,-warm and cool season grasses and legumes, need around a 21-day period of regrowth after harvest. This harvest can be accomplished either mechanically, by making hay, or by grazing the area intensively with livestock. So, Mr. Anderson, with his 15-20 paddock arrangement, had it figured out just about right.
Obviously, for rotational grazing to work, rotation is a big part of the process. Different species of livestock need to be rotated on a schedule that not only allows for forage regrowth, but also needs to be adjusted to meet the needs of the livestock species being rotated. In a dairy situation, where maximizing milk production is of primary importance, this may mean moving the grazing herd several times per day.
The beef cattle that James Anderson pastured in 1777 probably only needed to be moved a couple of times a week, and could be given much larger, less intensively managed grazing paddocks. Swine, poultry, sheep and goats all have their own needs and optimal rotation schedules as well.
Ben Franklin conducted his electrical experiments with kite and skeleton key around the same time Anderson was writing about rotational grazing, so Anderson obviously did not utilize temporary electrical fence like most graziers do today. In current practice, typically a lead wire is used to separate livestock from new pasture areas, and a back wire is used to keep livestock from revisiting an area that has already been grazed, to allow for regrowth. Some choose to use a back wire, others do not.
My opinion regarding the use of a back wire is that it is worth the extra effort required to move both wires. Animals, after all, are not so different from children. Imagine, if you will, turning a child loose in a free-for-all, all-you-can-eat buffet with no restrictions. You will probably leave the restaurant with a sick child chuck full of chocolate cake, ice cream and pudding, and not full of some of the other necessary food groups like grains, proteins and fiber.
Cows, unrestricted by a back wire, will continue to return to delicacy foods—"candy," if you will—in the already grazed area, and will leave other wholesome but less appealing forages uneaten. I think most people with experience raising children can relate to the comparison!