Prolonging summer grazing with standing herbage

Maintaining standing herbage from June to extend summer grazing is a proven method to reduce feed costs. This guide from Prairies Demain explains how to delay grazing in selected paddocks when grass growth slows to below 10 kg MS/ha/day. It highlights the nutritional value of regrowth, especially white clover, which maintains high energy levels (up to 1 UFL) even at flowering. The practice supports meat and dairy systems on deep, weed-free soils with resilient grasses and legumes. Ideal for moderate-nutrition livestock, it can extend grazing by 40–60 days after mid-June grazing. A graph shows digestibility and dry matter levels in English ryegrass remain acceptable over this period.