A Guide To Rotational Grazing – Answers To Five Questions You Might Have

How does it benefit the cattle?

Employing this grazing method ensures that our cattle have an abundant diet consisting of up to 20 species of natural grass, clover, and up to 50 species of other plants including trees and bushes all year round. This results in healthier, stronger cattle that can live in the environment to which they are best adapted and suffer less injury and ill-health as a result. Lincoln Reds are bred to be cattle that live best on the land and forage whereas other cattle are bred to be grain-fed.

South Ormsby Estate’s herd enjoys a high-health status which is the highest standard of cattle health that can be registered. They are cared for year-round by our dedicated, experienced team led by Herd Manager John Crutchley.

What benefit does it have to the ecosystem?

Applying this rotational grazing technique improves the quality of the grass, as the grass can grow longer without being nipped off. This puts more nutrients into the soil, microorganisms then feed on what the grass puts in and this provides more fertiliser. Using rotational grazing results in up to twice as much grass than set stocking. In addition, it also gives each paddock a different grass height length which is good for biodiversity.

By the cattle being moved frequently, the grass is allowed to regrow, establish stronger roots and penetrate deeper into the soil. This, in turn, benefits the soil structure which is crumblier and more pliable as a result and reduces the risk of land flooding because more roots hold the land together and the soil won’t runoff.