For many UK farmers, grazing typically begins in spring when grass growth becomes more predictable. However, some forward-thinking farmers have started their grazing season as early as January, unlocking significant benefits for both their livestock and land. While this may sound ambitious, the principles behind early grazing are rooted in sound pasture management.

Mastering the Fundamentals

Grass is often undervalued compared to other crops, yet its management is just as important. Like any crop, grass thrives when cultivated correctly. Modern varieties of perennial ryegrass grow one leaf at a time, with each new leaf larger than the previous. By the time a fourth leaf emerges, the first (smallest) starts to die. This means that to maximise both quantity (harvesting the biggest leaves possible) and quality (harvesting before leaves start dying), grass should be grazed at the 2.5 to 3-leaf stage – what’s known as the 3-leaf principle. Managing grass growth this way will produce the single biggest lift in grassland productivity.

The rate of new leaf emergence is dictated by growing conditions - soil temperature, daylight hours, availability of moisture and nutrient, so matching your stock rotation to this leaf emergence rate helps balance supply of grass with the feed demand of your animals. This follows the natural biorhythm of being grazed then rested that provides the most benefit to the grass plant. When applied to a farm setting, this principle remains true: rotational grazing, where livestock graze swards down before allowing them time to recover, is one of the most effective ways to maintain high-quality forage and support long-term pasture productivity.

The Benefits of Early Grazing

Getting these principles right can have a profound impact on farm productivity. Early grazing:

• Maximises high-energy forage, young grass offers high protein and digestibility.
• Encourages stronger regrowth, grazing early stimulates tillering, increasing sward density.
• Reduces reliance on bought-in feed, high-quality grass is the cheapest and most efficient feed source available.
• Improves overall pasture quality, managing grazing around the 3-leaf principle ensures higher quality throughout the season.

Unlocking the Value of Winter Grass

Many farmers underestimate the value of the grass left to grow in late autumn. This grass, often appearing brittle and discoloured in February and March, is actually one of the best quality feeds available. UK herbage analysis consistently shows winter-stored grass in ryegrass-dominant swards contains around 12.5 ME, 20% dry matter, and 25% protein—comparable to expensive bought-in feeds.

What would it cost to buy this quality of feed in another form? By strategically utilising this winter-stored grass, farmers can significantly reduce feed costs and provide livestock with a highly nutritious and readily available feed source. This high-quality grazing is crucial for allowing cows to express their full genetic potential for milk production and fertility.

Practical Steps to Implement Early Grazing

Farmers who start their grazing season early don’t do so by accident. It requires careful planning, but the investment pays off. Here’s how to get started:

1. Assess your winter grass: Some late autumn growth carried through to early spring can be invaluable for kickstarting grazing.
2. Monitor soil conditions: Walking your fields regularly in late winter helps identify the best areas to begin grazing.
3. Use temporary fencing to control grazing pressure: This ensures even utilisation and prevents excessive damage to wet ground.
4. Balance grazing with rest periods: Matching stock rotation to grass growth rates is crucial.
5. Be flexible: If conditions change, having a contingency plan (such as bringing stock back in temporarily) is essential.

The First Grazing Rotation: Setting Up for Success

The success of spring grazing depends on the first rotation. Managing this correctly can set the tone for the rest of the season:

• Stimulate Growth, Grazing winter grass early encourages strong regrowth.
• Ration Available Grass, Balance turnout with feed availability to avoid running short later in spring.
• Set Up for Quality, Good grazing residuals ensure high-quality regrowth for later rotations.

Cogent: Your Partner in Pasture Management

With rising input costs and an increasing focus on sustainable farming, making better use of grassland is more critical than ever. Whether you’re looking to reduce feed costs, improve soil health, or boost livestock performance, early grazing is a strategy that can deliver real results.

At Cogent, we’re committed to helping you optimise your grazing strategies to complement your breeding goals. Our team of experts can provide guidance and support to help you develop a tailored grazing plan for your farm. We understand that every farm is different, and we’ll work with you to create a plan that meets your specific needs and goals.

Unlock the Potential

Early spring grazing offers significant economic and nutritional benefits for your herd. By understanding the value of winter-stored grass, mastering the fundamentals of grass growth, and implementing a flexible grazing plan, you can unlock the full potential of your pasture and your Cogent-bred herd.

Contact your local LIC Pasture To Profit Consultant today to learn more about developing a tailored grazing plan for your farm and maximising the return on your breeding investment!