Benefits of Warm Season Grasses in Pasture Management

Use warm season grasses in your pasture management plan for consistent foraging and grazing throughout the summer, when cool season pastures lose productivity. 

Warm season grasses provide high-quality forage during the summer months when cool season grasses go dormant and may turn brown, therefore contributing to a balanced diet for livestock, facilitating healthy weight gain and overall well-being. Additionally, these grasses require minimal fertilization and demonstrate resistance to pests and diseases, which helps decrease the reliance on chemical inputs.

How are Warm Season Grasses and Cool Season Grasses Different?

Cool season grasses start their growth earlier in the spring and continue to grow as long as rainfall and cool temps continue.  They will go dormant in hot, dry conditions, but may start to grow again in the fall if moisture is present.  Warm season grasses start their growth cycle later in mid-spring, and will continue to grow in the hot summer months when there is limited rainfall because of their robust root system and hardy nature.

In pastures, it is not recommended to plant and graze cool and warm season grasses together, to ensure each has adequate growth and rest periods according to their growth cycles.

Advantages of Native Warm Season Grasses for Pasture

Native warm season grasses are an excellent choice for pasture, thanks to their resilience, adaptability, and ecological advantages. 

Species such as Big Bluestem, Indiangrass, and Sideoats Grama, found in our all-native Warm Season Pasture Mix are particularly equipped to endure droughty conditions, reducing irrigation needs. With their extensive root systems, these grasses improve soil structure, enhance water infiltration, and prevent erosion, making them sustainable choices for pasture lands.

Best Practices for Grazing and Maintenance

Rotational grazing is recommended to effectively maintain warm season pastures and avoid overgrazing. This method consists of dividing the pasture into smaller paddocks, rotating livestock among them to prevent overgrazing and encourage regrowth. Separately grazing warm and cool season grasses in a rotational grazing system allows for adequate resting periods between grazing.

Regular monitoring is necessary to ensure that these grasses are not grazed below 6-8 inches, which helps sustain their health and productivity. By following these practices, one can provide a long-lasting and highly productive pasture system.