Rotational grazing system for heifers and young steers at Skogsgård Farm

Skogsgård Farm in Getinge, Halland, Sweden, operates a 240-cow organic dairy unit using a rotational paddock grazing system since transitioning in 1995. To overcome land limitations, it leases 30 ha of temporary and semi-natural grassland 25 km away, managed in collaboration with local landowners. Young stock graze this land in a four-paddock system, rotating weekly to match grass growth stages, with optimal grazing at the three-leaf stage. Spring’s rapid growth requires early grazing (April) and supplementary silage. A pipeline ensures water access, and a 'magic day' strategy synchronises feed with grass availability. When growth exceeds grazing capacity, animals are added or forage is harvested. In August, half the herd is moved to regrowth or crop areas. The system boosts grassland utilisation, enhances animal growth through compensatory growth, reduces labour, and improves sward quality by suppressing weeds like soft-rush. The approach supports farms transitioning from continuous grazing, operates at lower intensity than conventional systems, and enables better monitoring. Future plans include testing a five-paddock system, adopting a five-day rotation, and implementing strip-grazing during dry periods. Surplus forage will extend rotation intervals, allowing grass to head for reseeding. The system aligns with the Inno4Grass project and contributes to conservation of high-nature-value semi-natural grasslands.