Pastures can exist in places where other crops cannot; therefore, they can add value to otherwise unproductive land. It can be daunting to think about where to begin as no two plots of land are exactly alike. As you choose a grazing system that will be a good fit for you and your livestock, you will want to consider your personal goals, time commitment and available resources.

Forage quality is the basis of animal health in a grazing system and is impacted by plant development and the timing of grazing. We’ll discuss the practical aspects of designing your pasture system, such as the number of animals, paddock size and fencing type. You’ll learn about various types of grazing systems (rotational grazing, strip grazing, high density grazing) and the benefits and challenges of each. You’ll be introduced to the costs associated with grazing and identify opportunities for additional grazing-based income.

In this self-paced course, you will use a combination of readings, videos and handouts to learn the basics of raising livestock on pasture. Readings will be your primary source of information, along with supplemental videos and knowledge check questions. Each section of the course concludes with an opportunity to reflect on how to incorporate what you’ve learned into your grazing operation. This course will provide you with a practical, research-based foundation on which to build a successful grazing enterprise.