Green Acres

Grazing Residues Following Harvest

Grazing is the easiest way to harvest crop aftermath. Grazing crop residues allows animals to select a higher-quality diet than would otherwise be obtained by harvesting and mechanically feeding. In grazing scenarios, ruminants preferentially will consume grain and leaves before consuming lower-quality stalk material. This is an important consideration when developing diets based on crop residues. Stocker cattle may have acceptable gains if allowed to selectively graze residues. Younger cattle should be removed from the field or supplemented with protein and...